Chronological Reading Plan for July 27, 2 Kings 19, Psalms 46, 80, 135

Today's readings are 2 Kings 19, Psalms 46, 80, 135. Tomorrow's are Isaiah 49-53. 

In response to the threats of the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, King Hezekiah tears his clothes and consults with God's prophet, Isaiah, in 2 Kings 19. 

Not only does Hezekiah turn to a prophet, but he bows before the Lord asking for help in a dire situation (2 Kings 14-19). As a result of Hezekiah's godly humility and dependence, 185,000 of the enemy are supernaturally struck down and Jerusalem is spared. 

This is what distinguishes Hezekiah from many of the kings of Israel and Judah who have gone before. This is what makes him a good and godly king. When in trouble, rather than seeking the wisdom of friends and forming earthly alliances, he turns toward God's messenger, throws himself upon the mercy of God and trust God to deliver His people and be true to His promises.

Hezekiah provides us with a great template for war. But, he also shows us a great template for confronting hard times in our personal lives as well. While many are tempted to gain the advice of friends and align themselves with worldly methods of dealing with trouble, God's people should rely solely upon Him. 

The true victory comes in trusting Him, not in gaining the upper hand in a tough situation. Worldly wisdom and ways will show us how to gain victory for today, how to become the "winner". That kind of victory can be breathtakingly short lived and unsatisfying. God's wisdom and His ways will show us how to gain victory for all eternity. 

For evidence of this truth, look at the Psalms in our readings today. Psalm 46 proclaims that God is our fortress. Hezekiah needs a fortress that will be unshaken when attacked by a king that has shaken some of the strongest fortresses in the world. God will not be shaken. As a matter of fact, when we read the final verses of 2 Kings 19, we see that King Sennacherib of the mighty Assyrians is the one who is shaken!

Psalm 80 places trust in God to restore His people after the battle. And Psalm 135 proclaims the eternal nature of God and His sovereign power, the same power that guarantees the victories in Jerusalem and in our lives.