Reflecting God - Our Sure Foundation at The Global Church of the Nazarene of Lenexa, Kansas, United States for Thursday, 26 November 2015 - Embrace Holy Living - Scripture: 2 Kings 20:12-21

Reflecting God - Our Sure Foundation at The Global Church of the Nazarene of Lenexa, Kansas, United States for Thursday, 26 November 2015 - Embrace Holy Living - Scripture: 2 Kings 20:12-21RG AUDIO 112615

2 Kings 20:12 B’rodakh-Bal’adan the son of Bal’adan, king of Bavel, heard that Hizkiyahu had been ill, so he sent a letter and a gift to him. 13 Hizkiyahu listened to [the messengers] and showed them the building where he kept his treasures, including the silver, gold, spices and precious oils; also the building where he kept his armor; and everything in his treasury — there was nothing in his palace or in his entire domain that Hizkiyahu did not show them. 14 Then Yesha‘yahu the prophet came to King Hizkiyahu and asked him, “What did these men say? Where did they come from?” Hizkiyahu answered, “They came from a distant country, Bavel.” 15 Yesha‘yahu asked, “What have they seen in your palace?” “They have seen everything in my palace,” said Hizkiyahu. “There isn’t a thing among my treasures that I haven’t shown them.” 16 Yesha‘yahu said to Hizkiyahu, “Hear what Adonai says: 17 ‘The day will come when everything in your palace, along with everything your ancestors stored up until today, will be carried off to Bavel. Nothing will be left,’ says Adonai. 18 ‘They will carry off some of your descendants, your own offspring; and they will be made eunuchs serving in the palace of the king of Bavel.’” 19 Hizkiyahu said to Yesha‘yahu, “The word of Adonai which you have just told me is good.” He thought, “Isn’t it, though, if peace and truth continue at least through my lifetime?”

20 Other activities of Hizkiyahu, his power and how he built the pool and aqueduct to bring water into the city are recorded in the Annals of the Kings of Y’hudah. 21 Then Hizkiyahu slept with his ancestors, and M’nasheh his son took his place as king.

"Our Sure Foundation" by Author: Jane Owen
When Hezekiah’s health dissolved, he dissolved in tears. He faced death and Jerusalem’s destruction. In answer to his fervent prayers, Isaiah brought God’s clear message: “I will deliver you and this city . . . for my sake and for the sake of my servant David” (2 Kings 20:6b). Hezekiah praised the Lord for that comforting word, but he forgot the foundation of his answered prayers–God’s promises.
God promised to establish David’s throne forever (2 Samuel 7:16). Moreover, God chose to put His Name on the city of Jerusalem [2 Chronicles 6:6] Hezekiah’s righteous deeds didn’t merit God’s answer to his prayers, but God’s faithfulness to His Word ensured victory. Sadly, Hezekiah didn’t recognize this truth. After his recovery, he entertained royal visitors from Babylon, giving them a tour of all his treasures (2 Kings 20:15). His pride nullified wisdom, as he foolishly did not guard the precious things of God. When Isaiah confrnted him and pronounced judgment [verses 16-18], Hezekiah glibly refoected, Will there not b peace and security in my lifetime?" [Verse 19].
God’s grace may delay judgment, but we can rest secure in His righteous justice and loving faithfulness found in Christ Jesus our Lord!

Hymn for Today: "How Firm A Foundation" from John Rippon's Selection of Hymns, 1787.

1. How firm a foundation you saints of the Lord,

is laid for your faith in his excellent Word!

What more can he say than to you he has said,

to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

2. "Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed,

for I am your God, and will still give you aid;

I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,

upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

3. "When through the deep waters I call you to go,

the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow,

for I will be with you in trouble to bless,

and sanctify to you your deepest distress.

4. "When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,

my grace all-sufficient shall be your supply;

the flame shall not hurt you; I only design

your dross to consume and your gold to refine.

5. "The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose

I will not, I will not desert to its foes;

that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

I'll never, no, never, no never forsake!"

"Justice will once again become righteous,

and all the upright in heart will follow it."[Psalm 94:15].

Please pray:For the compassionate minitries among the poor and in diaster areas of Mesoamerica.
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