We will sing hymn number 31. Hymn number 301: The grace of the Lord has brought us this far. How can I express the love of the Lord that is without measure? My song is that Your hand always watches over me, and You make all things prosper in the Lord. Though I am weak, I have received strength and live. The grace of the Lord, who refreshes me, is enough. In a street without love, I will firmly hold Your hand on the mountain path and sing praises. The day of my return home is drawing near, and the heavy burden will soon be lifted. I will return to the house You have prepared for me and will live forever in the embrace of the Father. 

Today’s scripture is from 2 Kings 18:13-25. Yes, 2 Kings 18:13-25. This is in the Old Testament, page 594. It is Friday, August 2nd. I hope this morning will be a time when God’s grace is with you. I bless you in Jesus' name. Amen. The northern kingdom of Israel...

The time of destruction: What was the appearance of the last king of northern Israel and the southern Judah? Yesterday, we looked at the state of southern Judah's last king, Hezekiah, after the last king of Israel. Hezekiah was the son of Ahaz. Ahaz did not serve God and was surrounded by idols, sin, and wickedness. However, the faith of his mother and his grandfather, along with the faith of the prophet Isaiah, played a role in awakening Hezekiah's faith. This shows the remarkable mission of being a light in the darkness. When Hezekiah had a reverent attitude towards God, it is said that God prospered all that Hezekiah did. In 2 Kings 18:7, it is noted that he was successful in whatever he undertook. Many people may have a form of faith and actions towards God, but without true belief, it is meaningless.

Isn't it a matter of misplaced priorities? For God to be with us and for what we do to succeed, faith and action towards God must come first. At such times, God will make all that we do prosper, just as we can reflect on this today. The message today begins with 2 Kings 18:13. King Hezekiah, in the 14th year of his reign, continues to hold a faith that reveres God. However, the king of Assyria, Sennacherib, has now attacked and captured all the fortified cities of Judah. What does this mean? If we look at the context from 1 Kings, we see that the Assyrian Empire was making significant efforts to expand at that time. They had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, and now they were advancing towards Judah.

In the midst of the pressure to conquer, Hezekiah is living in that era. One might wonder why, if God has granted prosperity when He is present, hardships come to those who believe in Him. Shouldn't God take care of them and prevent the Assyrian attacks? There are times when such thoughts arise. Faith should allow us to see clearly, but there is a simplistic notion that if we believe in God, we will have no suffering, no problems, and no difficulties. We need to break away from this line of thinking. Today, we should not view this situation in isolation; rather, we must look at it comprehensively. The Assyrian Empire, as a powerful nation, has already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel, and it is only natural to expect that they will next conquer the southern kingdom of Judah. From a historical perspective, regardless of the faith of the people, the intention to attack can be understood as a natural process of conquest.

There is a reality that the Bible does not say that there are no hardships when people of faith live by faith. It clearly states that there are hardships. This is true for Moses, Paul, and Peter; people of faith go through a period when their faith is formed, and during this period, they must go through the process of suffering. Now, it is time for Hezekiah's faith to go through suffering. From this perspective, we should move away from the simplistic idea that having faith means there are no hardships or problems. While there are times when faith is formed, we must recognize that there is also a process of enduring hardships. Some people think that because they believe, everything will go well and that only good days will continue. However, while there are times when faith is formed, there will inevitably come a time when faith must go through suffering. Just as there are seasons—spring, autumn, and winter—there are also seasons in faith.

Just as there are seasons of growth in spring, there are also times for sowing like in autumn, and periods to endure like summer and winter in our lives. In Isaiah 18:13, many cities were on the brink of being conquered and ruled, and Hezekiah was facing great difficulties. When we interpret this history, we should not view it simply. We need to see what God will accomplish through this period. It is important to move beyond the simplistic notion that believing in God means there will be no suffering or problems. Instead, we should consider how God will work through these hardships. Just as we live in our current times, we must reflect on how God can be revealed through us. We need to pray for the faith to look beyond our problems and to see the living presence of God.

It can be said that from verse 14, King Hezekiah of Judah sent messengers to the king of Assyria. This Assyria is a region of great power, and Hezekiah is now proposing surrender. He is sending all the silver and gold he has, asking for a delay in everything and requesting mercy. Assyria is a powerful nation that has already destroyed the northern kingdom of Israel, so it is natural that southern Judah would not be able to win in a military confrontation. Therefore, Hezekiah sent messengers to Assyria, admitting his mistakes and asking for help in verse 14. He opened the storehouse and sent gifts to the king, realizing he had no choice but to do so. As the king of the nation, Hezekiah has the responsibility to protect all his people. Since the northern kingdom of Israel has been destroyed, southern Judah could also face the same fate.

The feeling of having nothing led Hezekiah to make a choice that was politically humiliating for a king. Moreover, being human, he trusted in God, but the reality of fear and anxiety inevitably caused him to act out of fear. We need to understand this perspective. Therefore, Hezekiah, in his desire to be happy, made the humiliating choice of sending his gold and silver to win the favor of the king. This choice, driven by fear, is evident in his actions. From verses 14 to 16, he shows a humiliating side by opening all his storehouses and sending everything he had. However, in verse 17, we see that King Sennacherib is now coming towards Judah, leading a great army towards Jerusalem. Why did this happen? Hezekiah was talking about surrender.

However, since it was impossible to know whether what Hezekiah was saying was true, one could interpret his actions as showing an intention to come directly to Judah and attack. This king had already conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. Therefore, having achieved consecutive victories, he had nothing to fear. Not only Judah, but perhaps he aimed to instill fear in other nations as well, using military strategies to dominate and suppress the paths of other countries. Thus, we can observe the great ambition of the Assyrian king to rule over many nations in the Middle East at that time, not just Judah. 

Now, starting from verse 20, we see the Assyrian king's military commander, Rabshakeh, speaking. In verse 20, it is clear that he was a very arrogant person and highly skilled in psychological warfare. Before engaging in battle, he aimed to manipulate the hearts of these people.

They are trying to psychologically disturb and force these people into surrender before the fight even begins. This all starts with words. In life, both you and I often crumble because of someone's words. A person's life can be victorious or filled with despair because of words. Before fighting, they are using high-level psychological warfare tactics to not only disrupt this situation but also to disturb the hearts of the people, creating confusion among them. They aim to instill fear in the hearts of the people, rendering them incapable of action. This is the history of a person skilled in high-level psychological warfare. Therefore, you and I do not need to be swayed by the words of those who continuously instill fear, anxiety, and confusion through their speech. They perpetuate fear with their words. Today, we...

There is no need to be shaken by this. From verse 20, it says that there are words and powers to fight, but these are just words that stick to the mouth. We see that this completely drains the will of Hezekiah and the people to fight, instilling fear in them. However, as we can see in 2 Timothy, what God has given us is not a spirit of fear. When you and I live our lives, we should not be afraid of the words that bring fear. We must have faith that God is with us and become people of faith who can overcome fear. So, what is the intention behind Hezekiah's words? He is saying, Don't be foolish. You have no strength, so you cannot act out. Who can rebel against our great nation of Assyria? He is mocking them.

In verse 21, it says that even if you try to rely on Egypt, it is now a toothless tiger with no power. Have you not seen the northern kingdom of Israel? Who is the king of northern Israel now? It is Hosea, who tried to rely on Egypt. Look at the downfall of those who depend on Egypt. Even if you rely on everything Egypt has, they cannot help you. You have no strength, and they cannot support you either. In verse 22, it mentions that you claim to trust in God, but even if you say you rely on God, you are nothing. This shows a significant psychological tactic that disturbs your faith in God. What kind of person was Ahaz? He is mocking the God he claims to believe in, the Lord God.

It is a great ignorance and mockery that can be seen. In verse 22, it says that although you claim to rely on God, you cannot overcome us. The God we believe in was the greatest God at that time, so the God you believe in cannot do anything. Moreover, Judah was a theocratic state, which means that faith was not just a simple belief; it served as a unifying center for the nation. The act of mocking God, which undermines that unifying faith, is a psychological tactic aimed at breaking them down. In verse 23, and continuing into verses 24 and 25, we see that the Rabshakeh of Assyria was able to make the hearts of Hezekiah's people crumble, rendering them powerless. This person particularly mocked God, suggesting that relying on Him was futile.

It is meaningless. In verse 25, it says, How can I not do the will of the Lord and destroy this place? The Lord had previously told me to go up to this land and strike it down. It seems as if relying on God is nothing, and we see the arrogant attitude of the prophet who speaks as if God is doing this to him. However, today, you and I also see in chapter 18, verses 13 to 22, that Hezekiah is hearing very humiliating words and is declaring his surrender, as well as giving away silver and gold. But tomorrow and on Sunday, we will see how Hezekiah wakes up again to pray and how he will have a faith-filled history of overcoming the attack on Judah. We will also see how he later falls into corruption, but if we only look at the early period, it is very...

He was a person of great faith, who enjoyed worship and revered God, but we can see that he momentarily experienced fear when the Assyrians invaded. During this time, he attempted to resolve the issue by surrendering and paying tribute, indicating a brief period of wavering faith. However, we also see that when the Rabshakeh mocked him and even arrogantly ridiculed God, this became an opportunity for his weakened faith to be strengthened and restored. 

Today, as we live our lives, we encounter atheists and those who claim to have once attended church or practiced their faith, yet now feel that prayer is useless and belief is futile. They may be suffering and express that faith is of no value, arrogantly dismissing the essence of belief.

There are people who talk about emptiness. However, in Hebrews 10:23, it says to hold firmly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. We must hold on to the hope of our faith without wavering. Arrogant people shake our hearts and claim that our faith is in vain. But Hebrews 10:23 reminds us that we must trust in what God has promised. We can see that we need faith to rely on God, even on days when we feel fear in our lives. Today, we can reflect on whether we are in a state of victory like in Hebrews 18, or if we are somewhat in a neutral position, balancing between the verses 13 to 22 of chapter 18.

Is it a time of rising or falling? Faith, in a way, can be a time of ascent, a transitional period, or a time of decline. Depending on the environment and circumstances, the flow of that faith is bound to change. When I am on the rise, there are times when I am soaring, but even then, I must remain humble. And when I experience a decline, instead of succumbing to fear and anxiety, I need to rely on God, praying earnestly as the Scriptures say, for today, tomorrow, and the days to come. We need a faith that can trust in God. In Psalm 40:1-3, it says, I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Everything in life has its timing, and everything flows. My faith is not static.

Depending on the external environment, my heart can also change. There are times when faith grows and is strengthened, but there are also times when faith is shaken by fear and anxiety due to external circumstances. However, just as this difficult time can be a period of blessing, our faith should not be overwhelmed by the current environment and problems. Again, the wicked will be like chaff, as the words of Isaiah say. By relying on the Lord, we can overcome fear in the midst of our circumstances and issues. I pray that we can rise again today. After today's message, we will look at the verses following chapter 18 tomorrow and also on Sunday. Hezekiah earnestly prayed during a national disaster and hardship, and Isaiah now speaks of victory through Hezekiah.

I will tell you a story, and through Hezekiah, the history of victory will continue. Let us pray. Good Father God, the problems and difficulties of life always shake those who are vulnerable. They know exactly what words can break me and mock me, and they can easily disturb my heart. Just one word can reveal my weakness, and there are those who try to bring me down with that one word. However, at this moment, I entrust all the numerous problems and fears that come to me to You, God. Please allow me to move forward with a steadfast heart. Do not let me be shaken by fear or words, and help me to hold on to the truth that You, God, are in control of all circumstances and situations. I earnestly pray that today will be a day of victory through faith. Please grant those who cannot pray the ability to pray. To those who are always shaken by fear, anxiety, and terror...

Lord, please allow us to overcome fear, anxiety, and terror. Help us to look to You, Jehovah God, just as sunflowers look to the sun. Today, may we become those who look to You, believing that You are in control of all the problems in our lives. Let this day be one where we move forward in faith. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Yes, Lord, let us pray together in unison. Lord, we want Your words to be engraved in our hearts. Even when there is fear, we want to remember that there is also fear in the hearts of others. All kinds of fire, terror, and fear fill my heart. Everything I have is a result of fear; I cannot help but be bound by the fear that surrounds me. What will happen when I am so scared, so anxious? Various rumors are spreading. The northern kingdom of Israel has fallen; the northern kingdom has been destroyed. What shall we do?

Today, when we hear news of fear and anxiety from such difficulties, what should we do? In a time like this, amidst the anxiety, fear, and the shaking of the faith of the people, what will happen to us? Lord, today we do not have the strength to overcome this problem. We lack wisdom and ability. However, God, at this time, we pray in faith and ask You. Lord, You have promised to strengthen those who fear the Lord. So, at this time, we pray, relying on the God who is greater than our problems. Lord, grant me a new heart. Please give us new strength so that we can overcome all these problems, difficulties, and despair with the courage of faith. We ask that You grant us the ability to move forward in faith today.

Even if there are problems greater than Mount Tai, deeper than the sea, and larger than Goliath and the Jordan River, and even deeper and wider than the father and the infant, may God be with us. Please help us to overcome today. Grant us the faith to overcome. Lord, there are many times when our faith is shaken due to the countless hardships and trials we face. Today, we believe that we will have greater faith. These hardships require greater faith. At this time, please grant us faith that is greater than our problems, and may this dawn be a time when we can pray while looking at God, who is greater than our problems. Just as the father of Gideon became a man of faith through the faith and encouragement of his mother and grandfather, may our children be raised in faith today. The summer Bible school has started since yesterday.

Today, we have various activity programs, including study sessions and external programs, as well as gatherings of grace. In every order of the day, Lord, please keep the children safe from accidents, help them not to become weary, and be with the cooperating teachers. May everyone work together to bring about good in all things. Instead of insisting on their own opinions and stubbornness, grant the children the wisdom to know what choices to make. We ask for the ability and grace to smoothly carry out today’s schedule in cooperation with one another. Lord, please grant the children the grace of the soul and spirit today. Give them a heart that fears God and knowledge of Him, along with a faith that reveres Him, so that their hearts may be free from distractions like television, smartphones, and YouTube.

In this time when we are living surrounded by various media, God, please govern their hearts. The time to meet is now; it is truly the right moment. Lord, please meet them, and may faith that allows these children to fear God be instilled in them. Grant that your word may have power, for we believe that there is no power in man, but there is power in your word. When that word is planted in them, may the wonderful and blessed work of God take place in their lives. I earnestly pray that they will not grow weary or tired. May all the cooperating teachers, as well as the parents who prepare meals and the teams preparing external activities, be kept from fatigue and exhaustion. Lord, grant them wisdom, grace, and faith. This evening, Lord...

Lord, I pray that you help us complete all our schedules without any issues until the gathering. May many children be able to participate tomorrow, and may you grant them your grace. Please work among them so that they do not become weary, and allow them to have peace. I wish for them to have faith and to be children who can revere you. Lord, please remember the many children today. Remember the countless children at the strong altar, and I pray that your gospel may dwell in their hearts. 

Also, at this time, there are many believers praying for family, finances, health, children, life, and spiritual issues. There are those who are facing significant life problems and difficulties, feeling fear, anxiety, and worry. I earnestly pray that you be with them and that this time may be one where you work among us. Additionally, Father, I pray with faith during this time.

Today, I earnestly pray for Mr. Kim Bok-seong, who is waiting for surgery. May God oversee all procedures and help him recover well with good health. I sincerely ask that God be with him and guide all of his schedules according to His will. Lord, at this time, may God grant Mr. Kim health and a gracious recovery, and may He work in his life so that this can be a precious and blessed time. I pray for health, Lord. After praying, may the Lord work in his life and make him a blessed servant who can move forward in faith. I earnestly pray that today, the Lord will be with him and that through God's help and grace, he can be renewed. We need the Lord's grace and assistance.

Lord, I ask that You be with us. Lord, as we watch this broadcast, may God be with us, and wherever we are, may we remember You. Please oversee this entire process and allow it to be an opportunity for recovery and health, Lord. I earnestly pray for Your work in this matter. Today, Lord, I ask that You be with the congregation members who are praying about various issues such as family, finances, health, and children's education. Please grant them faith. Grant them faith. You, who always provide, Lord, I pray in difficult situations. Lord, we are surrounded and blocked on all sides. Life is hard, fearful, and despairing. However, I earnestly pray that God will be with us and grant us the faith to overcome these problems. May the praying congregation members feel Your presence today, Lord.

In this historical age, may You remember the names of all the saints who are praying today. I pray that You hold each one of them, Father, and that Your work may be accomplished. Even when we face difficult and disappointing problems in life, may You be with us, Lord, so that today we can overcome these issues. I desire that You increase our faith today. Lord, please be with us as well. For all the saints who are praying today, may You be with them, Father. May You be with all the saints in our community, strengthening them. Today, as they pray about various issues such as finances, health, and family matters, may the blessings of prosperity be opened to them. I ask that You remember the names of the praying saints and respond with blessings of strength in their spirits.

Blessings, the blessings of history, the blessings of opening, may this be granted. May God's amazing work unfold, and may a blessed history come upon us. Lord, please take responsibility, hold us, and guide us urgently. May all of our congregation be filled with God's grace. I ask that you work in us, Lord. Please be with the saints who are praying today, and grant us grace to handle all the matters of this day.

열왕기하 18:13-18:25 / 2024년 8월 2일 (금) 오전 6시/ 동검교회 / 박종찬목사

열왕기하 18:13-18:25 / 2024년 8월 2일 (금) 오전 6시/ 동검교회 / 박종찬목사