“At that time, Hezekiah got sick. He was about to die. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz visited him and said, “God says, ‘Prepare your affairs and your family. This is it: You’re going to die. You’re not going to get well.’” Hezekiah turned away from Isaiah and, facing the wall, prayed to God: “God, please, I beg you: Remember how I’ve lived my life. I’ve lived faithfully in your presence, lived out of a heart that was totally yours. You’ve seen how I’ve lived, the good that I have done.” And Hezekiah wept as he prayed—painful tears. Then God told Isaiah, “Go and speak with Hezekiah. Give him this Message from me, God, the God of your ancestor David: ‘I’ve heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll add fifteen years to your life. And I’ll save both you and this city from the king of Assyria. I have my hand on this city.” (Isaiah 38:1-6 The Message)
Today’s meditation is not an advertisement that offers a sure guarantee on how to extend your days on earth. God is the One who numbers our days. Read the passage above, and do some study of it later, not at your leisure time, but at your daily lesson time. Now while today’s meditation is not an advertisement, it is an announcement, answering with great advice the question, “Can God’s mind be changed?”
Judah is under attack. The king of Judah, Hezekiah is sick. Hezekiah is mortally sick. Isaiah the prophet comes to him with a specific is message from the Lord for Hezekiah to set his house in order, for he shall die and not live. Hezekiah’s response to the words of Isaiah will help us, believers, when we need a recovery; a recovery from illness, a recovery from hurt, a recovery from addictions, and a recovery from backsliding. Hezekiah in his response seeks to change God’s mind. Look at the approach he uses, an approach that reveals truth, raises up a true testimony, and reverently seeks a true recovery from his predicament. We should remember these elements of his approach because we may want a healing at some time and there seems to be, seems to be, no one who can help. But there is One! We may want to recover from hurt and replace it with happiness and joy. We may want to abandon an addiction, an affliction, or an accelerated fall and start afresh; get back to our spiritual walk as it once was; continue serving God as we once did. We may for many reasons need a recovery quick because it looks like things are not going to get any better. Look at Hezekiah’s approach.
First, he turns his face to the wall, finding a withdrawn isolated position in a crowded room where he can have a little talk with the Lord, away from any attending company. He does not want to be distracted, but he desires an intimate moment with God. He wants to get on the mainline alone, like we should at times, and call up the Lord. Second, Hezekiah prays to the Lord and his prayer is one of sincerity. Third, Hezekiah raises his testimony, “Remember now, O Lord, I beseech Thee, how I have walked before Thee in truth and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in Thy sight (Isaiah 38:3 NASB).” I need to say that this third observation where Hezekiah raises his testimony describes his behavior and conduct before he prayed. What am I saying? I’m saying that as you approach praying, if necessary, because of a predicament, make sure that before your predicament, your behavior and conduct is pleasing to God. Find yourself in the company of those whose petitions and pity filled groans reach the ears of God. Hezekiah did not all of a sudden become God conscious because of his predicament. Before that, he lived a God conscious life. He was a righteous king and one of the kings mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in the Bible. I think you get the message. If you want the answer to the question above to have any chance of being “Yes,” you live a righteous life. If you want that God perchance change His mind, live a righteous life, and if you are not, start changing your life today. The fourth observation about Hezekiah’s approach is that he was sincere. The sincerity of Hezekiah’s heart can be seen as he prayed, weeping painful tears. He is not playing, not trying to do the impossible, which is to fool God. Hezekiah was for real as he reached toward heaven. We need to live our lives so the good report we give the Lord about our lives is overflowing with sincerity.
Long meditation for Monday, but that’s okay, right? The question: “Can God’s mind be changed?” The answer: “Yes, it is possible.” However, we play a role in bringing about that possibility. In Hezekiah’s case, Isaiah came with a new word, a new message, a change of mind message from God. “I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears; behold I will add fifteen years to your life.” I’m going to stop right here for today. Consider Hezekiah’s approach. And as a teaser, tomorrow I’ll write on “Can God’s Mind Be Changed? (Part 2).” Stay tuned! Be blessed!
“You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.” Psalm 139:3-4 NJKV)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King