Topic: God defends His people
Bible Reading: 2 Kings 18-19, John 6:22-44
Memory verse: “By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD. [34] For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.” 2 Kings 19:33-34 (KJV)
Several times in the bible the LORD came to the defense of His people in astonishing fashion! Whenever He does this, the victory usually makes His people more than a conqueror, thereby giving all the glory back to Him. However, He only comes to the defense of those who embrace Him and hold unto Him alone wholeheartedly in all situations.
The bible tells us in Psalms 125:2 (KJV), “As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.” His people are those who have accepted Him and call unto Him at all times especially in times of trouble. Earlier in the month, we saw how Elisha and his servants were defended by Him when a host of the enemy army came. He blindfolded the army and gave them to Elisha to do as he please (2 Kings 6:15-22).
In today’s bible reading, Rabshakeh, the servant of the king of Assyria was sent to King Hezekiah and the people of Judah, to mock them and the LORD. Based on their successes over other nations who serve false gods, Rabshakeh warned Judah the same fate awaits them. But unlike other nations, Judah has a King who serve the Most High God. 2 Kings 18:5-6 (KJV) says of king Hezekiah, “He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. [6] For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses.” Then he took the letter sent by Assyria to the LORD and spread it before Him.
The bible tells us in 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV), “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: [7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” King Hezekiah casted this huge would-be distracting situation before God. And the result? God’s word came through Prophet Isaiah. 2 Kings 19:32-34 (KJV), “Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a bank against it. [33] By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, saith the LORD. [34] For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.”
God sent an angel and in one night 185,000 Assyrian soldiers were killed causing the King, Sennacherib to retreat home to Nineveh where he was killed by his own sons. No one mocks God and go scot-free. For anyone trusting in the LORD those who are for you are always more than those who are against you. But learn to obey His commandments and cleave on to Him like King Hezekiah ( 2 Kings 18:4-7).
Action Point: Is there any situation(s) causing you worries? Cast it all before God and let Him defend you.
Bro. Worthmore Aghanenu