Wise Hezekiah did three things right. First, he encouraged God’s people to be holy, to have a strong spiritual city. He did this by repairing the temple and restoring worship. Second, Hezekiah built a tunnel under the city so spring water could flow inside. This would protect them during a siege. And third, he called on God for help. When we work alone, we work in our own strength. When we worship and pray, God works in His.
And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city.
Hezekiah asked this question: “Will there not be peace and security in my lifetime?” That’s a big question, and it’s one people still ask today. It seems as long as humans exist and are sinners, there will be conflicts. But each of us can do our part to bring peace to our communities by trying to bring God’s peace to others. Have you ever thought about how you can be a peacemaker in your community? What could you do to help live with others in a peaceful way?
Hezekiah asked God to make the shadow go back 10 steps as a sign of His faithfulness. Just for fun, ask a friend or family member to help you experiment with a flashlight and a stairway to see where the light has to be to make your shadow extend behind you or in front of you. What position of the light makes the longest shadow? What makes the shortest shadow? Try standing in different poses. What makes the funniest shadow?
Lord, fill me with wisdom so I can lead others in Your ways as Hezekiah did. Amen.