Caught In A Crisis Of Danger - Virus

Have you ever been caught in a crisis? A child of God caught in crisis may be a difficult subject to address because of todays’ social climate. Some believe godly living, great faith and positive thinking will exempt them from trials. Here this godly king of Judah and Jerusalem finds himself in a dilemma. The prophet Isaiah for many years had approached the kings of Judah with an offer to repent and beg God’s forgiveness that the nation might spared. His offer was rejected, and the prophet received a new commission to them. Isaiah comes with the judicial sentence, dooming the nation to exile and the land to desolation. While this was righteous retribution, it was a measure of mercy as well. Although Isaiah pronounced destruction, he knew that holy love, devoted zeal and sincere repentance would restore God’s mercy.

Through the prophet, good King Hezekiah and his people turned to God with decision and uprightness and the power of Assyria was not allowed to touch Judah. In this crisis of danger, when the nation seemed to be in its last gasp, Isaiah performed for it the office which Moses had performed of old, that of intercessor, and God granted deliverance to them. Hezekiah is spoken of as a great and good king, who followed in the way of great-grand father King Uzziah. He abolished idolatry, and even destroyed the brazen serpent which Moses had built. A great reformation was wrought under his reign of Judah. Hezekiah’s trouble began when he refused to pay the tribute which his father had paid and rebelled against the king of Assyria. The enemies of life will not allow you to leave without a fight. This act of rebellion led to the invasion of Judah by Sennacherib and his army. They took 40 cities and besieged the Holy city, Jerusalem itself. Finally Hezekiah yielded to the demands of the Assyrian king and agreed to pay him 300 talents of Silver and 30 talents of Gold. Sennacherib dealt treacherously with Hezekiah and invade Judah again two years later.

Even before he situation with Sennacherib had been settle, Hezekiah had become very illness. In his weaken condition, Hezekiah received this unsettling message from God’s prophet, Isaiah. Isa 38:1 “In those days was Hezekiah sick and near death. Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, came to him, and said to him, "Thus says Yahweh, 'Set your house in order, for you will die, and not live.'"

Although Hezekiah was highly favored of God, he was not exempt from sickness and disease. He finds himself sick unto death in the midst of his years. His father died at 38 and he is only 40 years old. That since death is the common lot regardless of age. What a pertinent message, set your house in order. This text reminds us that it is our duty to prepare for death, before it approaches, to provide for it, both by a settlement of all our worldly concerns, and more especially by dying daily to the world and sin. The day of our departure may be soon.

1.Caught in a Crisis Shouldn’t Be a Surprise. A man that born of woman has a few days and they are full of trouble. Job said, “in the midst of life, we are in death.” Trouble comes to all because it is used by God and Satan. Satan comes to steal, kill and destroyed; God uses trials to perfect us.

Jas 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

2. Caught in a Crisis Should Cause Us to Appreciate God’s Word. Isaiah had often been God’s messenger of Good news. Yet, in this case God sends Hezekiah a heads up concerning his death. It wonderful to find, Isaiah speaking clearly for God and only what God has said. I am amazed at how Hezekiah received it. His only word to the prophet was thank you! We should not expect to receive anything from the prophet other than what the prophet has received from the Lord. We must welcome God’s word whether it be pleasing or not.

3. Caught in a Crisis is an Opportunity for Prayer. In every situation, sick, affliction, or temptation, prayer is the great relief. It is the heart’s ease to pour out ourselves to God. It will bring a comfort in every calamity, and a joy in the hour of death. The what great consolation if our conscience bears us witness in the Holy Ghost that we have walked upright. That in simplicity and godly sincerity we have had our conduct and conversation pleasing to God. God will hear our prayer. Not only that, God regards every tear which falls from the eye of his children and will give them quickly the garments of praise for the spirit of heaviness.