2 Chronicles 32
Scripture:
16 Sennacherib’s officers spoke further against the LORD God and against his servant Hezekiah.
17 The king also wrote letters insulting the LORD, the God of Israel, and saying this against him: “Just as the gods of the peoples of the other lands did not rescue their people from my hand, so the god of Hezekiah will not rescue his people from my hand.”
18 Then they called out in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to terrify them and make them afraid in order to capture the city.
19 They spoke about the God of Jerusalem as they did about the gods of the other peoples of the world–the work of men’s hands.
20 King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to heaven about this.
21 And the LORD sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the leaders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And when he went into the temple of his god, some of his sons cut him down with the sword.
22 So the LORD saved Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib king of Assyria and from the hand of all others. He took care of them on every side.
Observation:
On this discipleship journey, there will be times when the enemy will try to attack us and eliminate our effectiveness for God’s Kingdom. In this chapter, Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, had made threats and attempts to attack Judah. Hezekiah did two things that we can directly apply to our life. First, Hezekiah began building and strengthening his defenses. Second, they cried out in prayer about this situation. As Spirit-Empowered Men, we should follow the example set by Hezekiah in protection of our homes. Strengthening the defenses of our homes starts with strong relationships built by love, trust, and understanding. Secondly, we should cry out in prayer on behalf or your family every day. Let this story be an encouragement to you that God will protect those who serve Him from the attacks of the enemy.
Application:
- Personal Application: Be on guard for your family. As a man, you stand and the gate and watch. We must protect and provide for our families, not only physically, but spiritually as well.
- Family Devotional: Read this chapter to your family. Make a commitment to them that you will be praying for them and asking for God’s protection. Ask them if there are any special needs or struggles that you can pray for. Spend a special time praying for each member of your family.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for the ability to stand in protection of your family. Pray every day for your family.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that God will protect and keep unity in your home.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, September 27 – Sunday, October 4:
- Sunday, September 27: 2 Chronicles 31
- Monday, September 28: 2 Chronicles 32
- Tuesday, September 29: 2 Chronicles 33
- Wednesday, September 30: 2 Chronicles 34
- Thursday, October 1: 2 Chronicles 35
- Friday, October 2: 2 Chronicles 36
- Saturday, October 3: Psalms 60-61
- Sunday, October 4: Psalms 62-63
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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