TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done…
Read the entire passage: 2 Kings 18.1-8
TODAY’S MESSAGE
A study of the kings of Israel is a study of leadership. What we see as they faced significant crises revealed what was really in their hearts. This past weekend, guest speaker and college professor Gary Burge focused our attention on King Hezekiah. As things completely fall apart, we see into the king’s heart and learn valuable lessons for us today. Likewise, how we navigate through the crises of our lives reveals who we are in the truest sense.
Reigning 29 years, Hezekiah’s crisis is in the form of the Assyrian army. They are the largest army in the world—violent, crass and will most certainly destroy Jerusalem killing or enslaving its people. Hezekiah responded well and “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” Reigning an incredible 55 years, in contrast is Hezekiah’s son Manasseh whose choice was between following the true God or “returning to the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites” (2 Kings 21.2). Manasseh did not respond well and was responsible for “the sin that he had caused Judah to commit” (2 Kings 21.16).
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
The key to navigating life-altering crises is to respond like Hezekiah in a God-honoring way. As you welcome God into your week, identify how you typically respond to a crisis. Ask a trusted friend for their observation of your response in these type of situations. Use your Chair Time this week to move you towards a more Christ-like response during your next crisis—whether big or small.
