136 Saturday, May 16, 2009

136 2 Kings 018 – 019; Luke 1.57 – 1.80

God's plan for Israel was to be a nation truly operating as one under Yahweh. The kings decided to follow their own plans and Israel became a divided nation. In 2 Kings 18 we witness the fall of Northern Israel which consisted of 10 tribes. The king of Assyria was responsible for this attack and soon afterward came after Judah (southern Israel--2 tribes).
They wanted Hezekiah to bow to the king of Assyria, but Hezekiah would not bow. He gets the message of the Assyrian's to the prophet Isaiah (he wrote the book of Isaiah) wanting to know what to do. Isaiah basically insults the king and the Assyrians and lets them know that God had raised up the Assyrians for His purposes. The Assyrians never did invade Judah and lost 180,000 troops. Hezekiah had set himself apart by tearing down the false places of worship. The Israelites had even taken the serpent image that Moses had used and set it up as a god. Hezekiah smashed it to pieces. Think about that one act in of itself. Moses had made this image and 1000's had been saved by looking upon it and yet he smashed it. I guess when God said put no other gods before me He really meant it.

Did you have any discussions concerning the names of your children? Elizabeth had now given birth and on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child and they called him, the baby, Zachariah, after his father. Things then got interesting because Elizabeth spoke up and said no his name is John. They turn to Zachariah and asked him and he has to write it out because God had given him the silent treatment, and he confirms that the child's name will be John. Right at this time God loosens Zachariah's tongue and he begins to praise God. All that took place is the talk of the town and they realize that God's hand is upon this child. One of the most important figures in the Bible is John the Baptist and this is his introduction into society.

God raises up secular nations for his purposes and he raises up individuals for his purposes. God has raised you up for His purposes and plans. You can count on this for this day.