July 21, 2020: SOAP #3883:  2Kings 18-19; 2Chronicles 32; James 5

Scripture:  2Chronicles (NIV) 32:6 He [King Hezekiah] appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him in the square at the city gate and encouraged them with these words: 7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. 8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.

Observation:   King Hezekiah was preparing Judah for an attack from the powerful army of the Assyrians.  Hezekiah’s was doing his best to prepare for the battle, but there was no hope.  Two things Hezekiah had on his side.  First; his confidence was in the LORD!  Second; his confidence was catching. 

Application:  Today, our nation, along with all the nations of the world, has been invaded by a virus.  Our leaders, probably like King Hezekiah, have many counselors with suggestions on how to defeat this vast army.  Like Judah, we should do what we can, but we need leaders like Hezekiah who remind us that there is a power greater than Covid-19.  We need leaders whose confidence is in the LORD God.  We need leaders who inspire their nation to have confidence in the LORD.

Prayer:  Lord, we pray for our nation.  Covid-19 has us stumped.  But those of us who know you, we are confident that Covid-19 is no more difficult for you than taking care of the army of 185,000 men outside Jerusalem. Inspire our national leaders to put their faith in you.  Do for us in 2020 A.D. what you did for the nation of Judah around 700 B.C. (2Kings 19:35-36) Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!