Sermon # 25 - God Who Heals Series

We read in 2 Kings 20:5, “go back to Hezekiah, ruler of the LORD's people, and say to him, "I, the LORD, the God of your ancestor David, have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will heal you, and in three days you will go to the Temple.” (GNB)

King Hezekiah was really sick, and near to death when these words were brought to him by the prophet Isaiah.

The summary of this message that was conveyed by the Lord to Hezekiah had four parts:

• God had heard his prayers

• God had seen his tears

• God would heal him

• Hezekiah would go back to the temple in three days

If the Lord were to share the same message with each one of us, it would prove to be beneficial to us too. These are difficult days for many, and there are numerous prayers that are being offered to the Lord, and much tears are being shed. The Lord reminds us that He will give heed to our prayers, and is mindful of our tears too. We have a God who also heals us so that we can go to the temple to worship Him again.

Background to this verse

We read in 2 Kings 20:1, “About this time King Hezekiah became sick and almost died. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to see him and said to him, "The LORD tells you that you are to put everything in order, because you will not recover. Get ready to die."” (GNB)

King Hezekiah was seriously ill, and was on the threshold of death. The calamities that surrounded Hezekiah were many. He was a young man, only thirty nine years of age, he had no child, and he was now in a vulnerable position of becoming easy target to his enemies. Moreover, the prophet Isaiah had spoken doom, and asked Hezekiah to set things in order, as his death was impending.

There are many who are in such complicated situations as Hezekiah found himself in. May I encourage such that as you read this message, pray that God will encourage your hearts. As you choose to obey the word of God as it is revealed, you too will experience healing, and deliverance in your lives.

Hezekiah looked to God

When Hezekiah heard this word from the prophet of God this is what he did.

We read in 2 Kings 20:2, “Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed:” (GNB)

In the palace where Hezekiah lived, there sure would have been many counsellors, physicians and even the prophet of God was there. Nonetheless, when Hezekiah heard the news that death was forthcoming, he did not look to any of those who were there with him. Instead, Hezekiah turned his face away from everyone, faced the wall, and turned to the Lord in prayer.

There is a habit among many these days, that when challenged with any sort of ill-health, they immediately search the net to discover what their symptoms could signify. At the end of this search, there is a sense of fear that grips their hearts, as they are unable to comprehend what their condition truly is. When the heart grows weary, be sure the body too will become weak. It would be wise therefore to not rush to the internet to find out what our ailment could be, as there is much information that we do not understand, and also a lot of which is also not authentic. Especially in recent times, there are so many who profess to be medics, sharing their views freely on the internet, and giving umpteen suggestions. It is good to take everything with caution, and not be those who ingest any and every information without much thought.

There are others who when faced with any problem, will immediately rush to others asking them to pray for them. It is good for us to pray for one another, but let us be reminded that we must firstly go down on our knees, and seek the Lord fervently.

God answers our prayers

When Hezekiah turned his face toward the Lord in prayer, the Lord hearkened unto his prayer. If you are wondering if God will answer your prayer, here’s a scripture that will confirm this to you.

We read in Psalm 50:15, Call to me when trouble comes; I will save you, and you will praise me." (GNB)

God’s word is forthright, that when challenged with trouble we must call on Him. If we so do, God promised that He will come to deliver us, so that we can praise His name. The goal of our prayers is that we will triumph over our troubles, and God will be glorified through all of it.

Hezekiah was faithful to God