Isaiah 37:1-2 When King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his garments, wrapped himself in sackcloth, and went into the temple of the Lord. He send Eliakim, the master of the palace, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, wrapped in sackcloth, to tell the prophet Isaiah...
In Isaiah 36, the commander of the Assyrian army was taunting the people of King Hezekiah's command, taunting the Lord, trying to convince them to allow the Assyrian army to lead them. He was trying to get them to doubt the Lord's strength and protection. When Hezekiah heard this, he humbled himself by tearing his clothes. Clothing at this time was a very valuable object. They didn't have manufacturing plants spewing out thousands of shirts at a time. Each was done by hand and took time, effort, and care to make, and because of the small amounts made, each were probably expensive. So people had a very limited wardrobe. So for one to tear their clothes, it shows just how truly distressed they were. Then, putting on sackcloth, think of the bags potatoes come in, it is showing just how low they are putting themselves. They are choosing to put on something not comfortable to show the pain they were in.
Hezekiah did this to himself and his men to show their humility before the Lord. They wanted God to know how broken they felt that another country was belittling Him, and how afraid they were of this outside force that was trying to attack them. If they would have gone in the temple with their nice fabrics on, they would still be holding on to some worldly comfort. Instead, they were purposeful in the actions, showing that they have let go of comfort in hopes that God will bestow grace and mercy upon them. The king and high of his court humbled themselves before the Lord, showing their repentance, and asking for mercy.
Humility is a virtue. It pops up quite often in the Bible. We too should be purposeful when asking God for forgiveness. Yes he knows what we need, but if we won't show humility by removing our comforts before presenting ourselves to Him, and truly lay our hearts out before him, and ask him, he doesn't have to intervene. He is the maker of the Universe. He deserves our utmost respect and humility to show he we are truly devoted, truly sorry, and truly wanting his help.
Lord, I pray for those who don't know you or who don't want to know you. You have given us so many chances to repent and ask for forgivness. I pray that the people will see in their hearts that you are their God and know what is best for them before it is too late. I thank you for all the times you have helped me back up after I have fallen. It is through you alone that I have made it. Praise be your name.
No comments:
Post a Comment