Due to the coronavirus pandemic, times are difficult and full of fear. The virus is deadly and powerful, taking lives of not just the elderly, but young people as well. The world is panicking, but we are Christians. We are different, we belong to God and are able to handle this situation differently, and even provide answers to the rest of the world (1 Peter 2:9-10). We can learn from and share the example of King Hezekiah, who also faced a hopeless and terrifying crisis.
King Hezekiah was one of the few righteous kings after King David. He restored obedience to God’s commands and revived the Levitical priesthood. After King Hezekiah’s acts of faithfulness, war came from the Assyrians. The Assyrians were a mighty people who brutally conquered many nations. How did King Hezekiah respond to this terrifying situation? He prepared, he knew the Lord and he prayed.
Preparation
King Hezekiah first realizes his situation, that war is coming. He takes decisive action in preparing for the upcoming siege, by stopping the water, gathering the military and encouraging his men. In times of crisis, he does not panic, he does remain idle, he doesn’t act hopeless or fatalistic but instead takes action. Christians too must prepare themselves. We can’t sit and do nothing (Mt 25:24-26) because we are afraid. However, Christians prepare themselves through God and the wisdom of God’s word. We must be like Martin Luther, who took precautions through the bubonic plague, but also cared for those who needed his help.
Know God
Verse 7: Be strong and courageous! Joshua 1:6
In these moments, when people are afraid they become focused on self. They don’t look up at God or around at other people. Even some Christians are like that. It happened to Peter (Mt 16:21-22). He didn’t understand who Jesus was or what He came to do. Hezekiah was different because he truly knew God. ‘for the one with us is greater than the one with him’ (v7). He knows God is greater than the enemy. Jesus is able to handle our situation effortlessly so there is no need to fear (Mk 4:38-40). It is amazing to know God is with us, Immanuel (Deut 4:31, Phil 2:9-11, Mt 10:28)
We must not fear what’s going on but we must fear God. Unfaithful fear comes from loving the world too much (Tom Hick). This virus is a good time to check if we fear the Lord or other things. More than pain, or sickness or death, we must fear the holy God and sinning against Him. Our Lord Jesus knew the pain of the crucifixion (Lk 22:42), but he endured the pain and death of the cross, which led to joy (Heb 12:2).
Fear of God leads to a trust in God. Hezekiah says God will fight our battles. He trusted God’s word and the history of God’s victories (Ex 15:3,14:14). This is the moment to trust God and His word (Ps 23:4).
Pray
The Assuryan army shouted propaganda, telling the people to not listen to Hezekiah but that their nation and God will fall like all the other gods that fell. Hezekiah’s response is to go to the true and living God and pray. To Hezekiah, God is real. We too must pray because God is who He said He is and does what He says He will do. Both Hezekiah and Isaiah cried out like children. God listens to your prayers and gives good gifts to those who ask(Mt 7:11). Like the early church, let’s pray together during this time (Ac4:31).
Even though God is sovereign and He knows our prayers before we ask, prayer is not merely about intercession. Prayer is knowing God and being known by Him. Prayer is about fellowship with God and building your relationship with the Lord. Also, it is obedience to His commands. God is in heaven above, and when we pray we are in His presence. Hezekiah prayed to God to overcome the upcoming war.
Conclusion
Hezekiah acted bravely by preparing for the war and strengthening his men with courage. He knew God and trusted in God’s word. He brought His needs before God in prayer. In verse 21, God defeats the invading army and rescues them. God did it.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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