God Listen's

Introduction

We have lived through some trying times of late.

Much like us, Israel was living through some trying times in the text today.

How do we as believers make it through trying times?

Prayer, talking to God

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.” (James 5:16, CSB)

The Threat

Context Isaiah 34-39

Assyria is the superpower of the region.

Therefore, the Assyrians are pushing their agenda upon all of the other nations, including Israel.

The forces of evil (anti-God) are mounting up against God’s people.

Sennacherib, Assyria’s king, mocks God and threatens Hezekiah, Judah’s king.

Hezekiah petitions God for help.

Where do you go for help?

Who is our only hope in times of trouble?

The Petition

Read Isaiah 37:14-20

Hezekiah’s response: He goes to the temple.

Hezekiah’s prayer

Lament Psalm (prayer for times of trouble)

Invocation

Calls on God

Confession of who God is…

Yahweh of host (commander of the armies of heaven)

God of Israel (covenant)

Enthroned between the cherubim (ruler)

God over all the kingdoms (control, ownership)

Creator (power)

Humility of the king

Petition (rationale)

God listen, hear, see

Sennacherib’s words (blaspheme)

“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers conspire together against the Lord and his Anointed One:” (Psalm 2:1–2, CSB)

Final petition for deliverance (rationale)

God act

Demonstrate your power to the nations

That all may know that you are the one true God.

The Answer

Isaiah 37:30-35

A remnant

Provision (food)

Survival

Judgment against Sennacherib

Will not lay seige

Will go home

For my glory

For the sake of David

The rest of the story: Isaiah 37:36-38

Conclusion

Hezekiah

Had a great need

Prayed to God

Found favor

Does it always work like this? No

Yet, we must pray

“Now he told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not give up. “There was a judge in a certain town who didn’t fear God or respect people. And a widow in that town kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ “For a while he was unwilling, but later he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or respect people, yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice, so that she doesn’t wear me out by her persistent coming.’ ” Then the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. Will not God grant justice to his elect who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay helping them? I tell you that he will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”” (Luke 18:1–8, CSB)

Will he find faith on earth?

Testimony