2 kings 18
The story of Hezekiah begins with significant details that would define the rest of his life. He did what was right in the eyes of The Lord and he tore down the high places. Several of his predecessors started their reigns doing what was right in the eyes of The Lord. None of them were so brave or devout that they where willing to tear down the strong places. Hezekiah was the type of man who saw no gray when it came to obeying the commands of God. It should come as no surprise that he neither saw any gray when it came to obeying or tolerating the enemies of YHWY who invaded his land. The dreadful Assyrian power were not to be paid tribute. The pagan philistines were not to be allowed to inhabit their land. Hezekiah knew who the real king was in Israel. YHWY was not one for gray either.
The courage of Hezekiah to challenge the fearsome Assyrian super power comes directly from his devotion to YHWY. What other kings would have taken as a death wish, Hezekiah took as an unassailable commitment to obeying YHWY as king. Assyria was no match for the king of the universe. While others may have been willing to believe it and even let it leave their lips in safe company, Hezekiah was willing to live it. His life would be a testimony to the truth that there is no fear when ones knee is bent to the King if Kings.
There is no fear when we follow God completely. There is no danger nor need that is not swallowed up in His complete sovereignty. Though the storms of life may wage around us. Though the rest of the world may fear for their lives. In the service of the King there is no fear. Hezekiah's life is one of many of the great cloud of witnesses that attest to this truth.
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