Daily Devotion, March 17, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read 2 Kings 18:1-7.

After the death of Solomon, the evaluation of most of the kings of Israel and Judah were not good. However, Hezekiah gets a good assessment. This passage tells of the things he did that made him a good leader of God’s people.

“Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him.” 2 Kings 18:5

The root word of this Hebrew word translated here as “trusted” occurs eight other times in chapters 18-19 about King Hezekiah. Sometimes it is translated as “confidence” or “depending on”. This description of “trusting in the Lord” is not used for any other ruler in the book of Kings.

“Trust” from the Hebrew understanding is more than just believing. Its deeper meaning has the understanding of, “to take refuge in.” Hezekiah’s years as king weren’t easy. There were many conflicts, but he continued to take refuge in the Lord. If you have the extra time to read chapters 18-19, there are several times Hezekiah could have stopped trusting God. But he remained faithful and trusted God each step of the way. In the end, this story reflects that God is the one who is faithful and worthy of all of our trust.

Healthy leadership in God’s kingdom calls us to a complete trust in God. Taking refuge in God calls us into that safe place in God’s heart. It calls us to allow God’s transforming love to be at work in our lives. It strengthens us to face the conflicts along the way and to receive wisdom and discernment to follow in God’s pathways. It calls us into God’s service to love and serve others. It gives us peace to voice unto God, “not my will, but yours be done.”

King Hezekiah prayed often. This builds the relationship of trust in God. Perhaps he had heard King Solomon’s instructions, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 New Living Bible.

Personal Worship Option:

Faithful and loving God, thank you that we can find safe refuge in you. Today we trust you to lead us in the pathways you would have us to follow. Help us to trust you more each day. Amen.