Turning Back Time

As King of Judah, Hezekiah instituted many reforms that strengthened the religious traditions of Israel while working to rebel against the country's Assyrian captors. Late in his rule he became gravely ill and prayed fervently for healing. As he confronts the big questions of life, God's answers and his response are chronicled in both Isaiah 38 and 2 Kings 20.

(Summary of Isaiah 38) Isaiah prophesies that Hezekiah will die -- which prompts his prayer for a longer life. Hezekiah makes a case for all of the good things he has done as king. In reponse, the Lord reveals to Isaiah that Hezekiah will live an additional 15 years and that the Assyrians will not take Jerusalem in that time. God confirms this promise with a miraculous sign of "turning back time" (approx. 20 minutes) on a sundial. After his healing, Hezekiah writes a song to express his thanks to God. He shows great humility and affirms that God is his strength. He proclaims that while he is still alive, he will be devoted to claiming the Lord's faithfulness.

Read and study both accounts of Hezekiah in Isaiah and 2 Kings. The miracle that God performs seems to jump out as the key to the lesson, but I think it is important to focus on Hezekiah's response to his healing. How can his response be a lesson for us today? What should we be doing in our families to show our affirmation to God? Check back soon.

Elisha and the woman from Shunam

Well, here goes. I am starting a new blog based on stories and passages from the Bible that may sometimes be overlooked. The format is very simple. First, I give the reference. Then, I'll summarize the narrative. The third part is the tricky part. That's where I will give a brief summary of what I think is a good application based on some of my reading and commentaries. My first choice of Scripture is from 2 Kings 4:8-37 -- the story of Elisha and the woman from Shunam.

(Summary) The story is about a wealthy woman who shows hospitality to Elisha whenever he comes to town -- even building a room upstairs to accomodate him. One day, Elisha asks whether he can put in a good word about her to the king or army commander. She declines. Later, Elisha tells her she can expect a son even though her husband is old. She can hardly believe her ears. When her son is older, he is working in the fields with his father when he dies unexpectantly. The father brings the boy to the mother and she lays him on the bed in Elisha's room. Then, she immediately sets out to see "the man of God". Elisha's servant meets her and asks if everything is allright. She says everything is fine -- but continues to seek Elisha. She grieves for her son and Elisha tells his servant to go with her and place his staff on the child's face. But the woman will not return without Elisha. The servant arrives there first and is unsuccessful in reviving the child. When Elisha gets there he lays on top of the child and he comes back to life. The woman is overwhelmed with gratitude.

Read the passage for yourself and think about its meaning and application. I will blog-in again in a couple of days with my interpretation. Check back soon.