This was a Mother’s Day I will never forget! Our daughter-in-law Bethany and granddaughter Olivia were baptized. Hearing them profess their belief in Jesus Christ and seeing this public act of faith was thrilling.
Jesus, our example, was baptized to show the world He was following God.
Joining us at the celebration were her parents and my mother. After the service, the twelve of us met at a local restaurant. It was wonderful having four generations gather around the table.
The Jewish generations got together every year at Passover.
First Passover in 215 years
2 Chronicles 30:5, “So they sent an edict throughout Israel from Beer Sheba to Dan, summoning the people to come and observe a Passover for the Lord God of Israel in Jerusalem, for they had not observed it on a nationwide scale as prescribed in the law.” New English Translation
Beer Sheba was the southernmost city of Judah. Dan was the northernmost city of Israel.
2 Chronicles 30:11, “But some from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem.” NET
(Representatives from only 3 of the 10 tribes of Israel participated.)
Rehoboam, Solomon’s son became king in 930 B.C. The nation split into Judah and Israel that year with Jeroboam becoming King of Israel.
Hezekiah’s rule began in 715 B.C. It had been 215 years since there was a nationwide celebration of the Passover.
Hoshea was the last king of Israel. The Assyrians captured and deported most of the Israelites in 722 B.C. The remnant of Israel had lived without leadership for seven years.
Source: “Rulers of the Divided Kingdom of Israel and Judah,” New International Version Study Bible Chart, p. 545.
“Don’t accomplish easy things first, or hard things first, or urgent things first. Do first things first – the activities that provide you with the highest return.”
“How Successful People Think,” John C. Maxwell, (New York: Center Street, 2009)
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The first thing to do is what increases our faith.
Hezekiah’s Success
2 Kings 18:5-8, “He trusted in the Lord God of Israel; in this regard there was none like him among the kings of Judah either before or after.
6) He was loyal to the Lord and did not abandon Him. He obeyed the commandments that the Lord had given to Moses.
7) The Lord was with him; he succeeded in all his endeavors. He rebelled against the king of Assyria and refused to submit to him.
8) He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its territory, from watchtower to fortified city.” NET
Hezekiah
- Fully Trusted God.
- Was loyal to God.
- Never abandoned his faith.
- Obeyed the commandments.
- Stayed with the Lord.
- Succeeded in all his endeavors.
- Submitted only to God.
- Defeated his enemies.
- Took back what the enemy stole.
Hoshea’s Defeat
The king of Assyria besieged Hoshea’s capital city, Samaria. After three years, he captured it and deported the people of Israel and King Hoshea to Assyria.
2 Kings 18:12, “This happened because they did not obey the Lord their God and broke his covenant with them. They did not pay attention to and obey all that Moses, the Lord’s servant had commanded.” NET
Our Sovereign God
“Declare God’s sovereignty over your fears and insecurities. Ask the Lord to use difficult situations in your life for His glory and to silence those who oppose Him. Pray for courage and faith.”
New English Translation Notes on 2 Kings 18:13-37
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Psalms 84:11-12, “For the Lord God is our sovereign protector. The Lord bestows favor and honor; He withholds no good thing from those who have integrity.
12) O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, how blessed are those who trust in you.” NET
It’s Not Dead
Isaiah 11:10, “At that time a root from Jesse will stand like a signal flag for the nations. Nations will look to him for guidance, and his residence will be majestic.” NET
A sculpture of a tree stump with branches growing out of it in the Upper Room.
Oh, that America would look to Jesus for guidance!
2 Kings 19:19, “Now, O Lord our God, rescue us from his power, so that all the kingdoms of the earth will know that you, Lord, are the only God.” NET
Let all the nations know the Lord is the only God! I love that I read these verses on Wednesday. That is the day I pray for America, Iowa, Jefferson County, Fairfield, and all the leaders and workers.
Speak Life
Isaiah 38:20, “The Lord is about to deliver me, and we will celebrate with music for the rest of our lives in the Lord’s temple.” NET
Hezekiah said this after Isaiah told him he was going to die!!! God sent Isaiah back and told Hezekiah he would live for 15 more years, 2 Kings 20:4-7.
Proverbs 12:14, “A person will be satisfied with the good from the fruit of his words, and the work of his hands will be rendered to him.” NET
Living a Long Life
Isaiah 17:6, “There will be some left behind, as when an olive tree is beaten – two or three ripe olives remain toward the very top, four or five on its fruitful branches,’ says the Lord God of Israel.” NET
Isaiah 23:15, “At that time Tyre will be forgotten for seventy years, the typical life span of a king. …” NET
A king had the best food, clothes, home, and medical care. He had servants to do whatever he wanted. His life span was 70 years.
After 40, Moses had a hard life. He was a shepherd in the desert until he was 80. Then he spent another 40 years in the desert leading millions of people around following God. He died at 120 years.
Hard work doesn’t hurt you; it keeps you strong and prolongs your life. Follow God and stay on top! He promises to help us.
Isaiah 9:6, “…He shoulders responsibility and is called Wonderful Advisor, …” NET
Isaiah 9:1, “The gloom will be dispelled for those who are anxious. …” NET
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