2Kings 18:18 And when they called for the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the secretary, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
(2 Kings 18:18 ESV)
In the preceding verse, we heard that the enemy was at the gate. Their leaders’ names were Tartan and Rabshakeh. Tartan means Commander in Chief, and Rabshakeh, means Chief of Princes. Wow, what grand-sounding titles, they carry weight and position, and authority. Imagine being the Commander in Chief of the world’s most powerful army, or the Chief of Princes within that army. There would be great privileges go to these two men, they would be honoured and feared where ever they went.
Hezekiah has to engage with them, but it would not be safe for him to go out and meet them, and culturally he would be expected to send his team. Who would you send to meet the most powerful men on the planet at that time? How would you select them?
Hezekiah sends Eliakim, son of Hilkiah – his name means, Yahweh who is my portion will raise me up. (Yahweh was the name used by people for God when they perceived that they had a personal and covenant based relationship with God).
Along with Eliakim, goes Shebnah, whose name means Yahweh returns now. And the final partner is Joah, whose name means brothered to God.
I hear an echo of faith here possibly, this small group of Jews carry with them a presence that belies their apparent status – we hear the story unfolding, as they walk out to meet the enemy, their names go before them, “we trust God to raise us up”, “God will be with us every step of the way”, and “God will be like a brother to us”.
Faith has humbly walked out onto the field of battle to confront force. The enemy is oblivious to what they are about to unleash on themselves. They believe themselves to be invincible.
What situations are calling you to be afraid today? What seems overwhelming, too big, or too difficult in our lives right now.
Let’s figuratively hold hands in prayer today, and with the faith, we have, walk out to meet the challenges face to face. Faith is triumphant over force and fear, and we know that our God is able.
Blessings
Allan
Principle 22 – humility is stronger than pride.
Strength – Restorative: People exceptionally talented in the Restorative theme are adept at dealing with problems. They are good at figuring out what is wrong and resolving it.