(2 Ki 18:36) But the people held their peace and answered him not a word; for the king's commandment was, "Do not answer him."
Hezekiah was in a bad way. The Assyrian army was surrounding Jerusalem and ready to conquer. Their representatives stood outside the city walls and brought a challenge to Judah to come out and fight. They boasted about their accomplishments, belittled Hezekiah, and even brought contempt against the Lord and His power to save His people. But as they spoke their threats, Hezekiah’s men did not answer the enemy back. Hezekiah had given an order. We could say he had told them . . . don’t answer the phone!
Has the phone been ringing in your mind? A whisper of doubt? A jolt of fear? The dark tone of discouragement? The wobbly whine of worry? Are you getting tired of that constant and relentless drone? Then don’t answer the phone!
Hezekiah spread out his fears and worries to the Lord and in a sense asked God to answer the ring (2 Ki 19:14). And that night an angel of the Lord slew 185,000 of the Assyrian army. They went out the next day to see the carnage out in the enemy camp. God’s people were saved that day because Hezekiah did not answer the phone.
We can’t keep the phone from ringing in our minds, but we sure can pray and give our cares to the Lord (1 Pet 5:7). Then we will be dialed into that still small voice of the Spirit letting us know everything is alright (1 Ki 19:12). Peace will flood our hearts and we will find that God took care of everything.
God is on the throne, so you don’t have to answer the phone!
Louie
Comments