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2 Kings 20
1 In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, "This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover."
2 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD,
3 "Remember, O LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
4 Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him:
5 "Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, `This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD.
6 I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.'"
Talk about a quick answer to prayer!
For the past few weeks, the overall theme has pointed to prayer, and this passage is a exemplary lesson.
Isaiah the prophet brought King Hezekiah a Word from the Lord that he was going to die.
Now, typically, throughout the stories in the Old Testament, a prophecy from the Lord happened without fail, despite what people did to avoid it.
Yet Hezekiah prays despite the circumstances, throwing himself in God's mercy. His desperate prayer reached the ears of our Father, and He, in turn, caused Hezekiah to live fifteen more years! This passage further reveals God's intense mercy and grace, and how much our prayers really do make a difference!
Do you want to see the worth of true prayer? Begin here!
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