The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Isaiah 36-37, 2 Kings 18:9 – 19:37, 2 Chronicles 32:1-23, Psalm 76
Act 2: God’s Covenant People
Scene 7: Kings and Prophets: The southern kingdom as God’s people
Background Information: Isaiah 36-37, 2 Kings 18:9 – 19:37, 2 Chronicles 32:1-23, Psalm 76
A key Assyrian military strategy was terror. Terrorism is the use of fear as a force multiplier. If enemy armies and civilian populations are terrified at what will be done to them in defeat, it was thought that they would surrender more easily. The Assyrian terror strategy included all manner of horrible torture and deprivation. It is important to understand this to know why there was such widespread fear in the time of Isaiah and why they were tempted to turn to their own resources to escape these potential terrible outcomes. Judah turned first to Egypt for help, then they tried to appease the Assyrian king. None of this self-effort worked, so finally, King Hezekiah turned fully to God. This, of course, worked. In turning to God, Hezekiah didn’t become passive. Instead, he proactively reinforced his civil and military structures and cast a compelling vision as the commander of chief for the people. The key, however, is that he didn’t trust in his own efforts. His full and final confidence was in the Lord. As the people’s hearts were turned to the Lord, they gained courage in the face of terror, and God gave them victory.
“’Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.’ And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah, said,” 2 Chron 32:7,8. The enemy of your soul uses fear as a key strategy in your life. He has no real power over the child of God, but he can paralyze you through fear–through spiritual terrorism. His power over you has been destroyed by the faithful Son of God. Do not live in slavery to his terrorism.
“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” Hebrews 2:14,15
The Lord your God is ready to help you and to fight your battles. Turn your confidence fully to him today.
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Pray for group leaders and leader assistants at River. Ask God to encourage them and strengthen them as they prepare to lead groups this fall.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.