Christian Family Services Ministry

08-29-2013 – Do you hear the desperateness in Hezekiah’s voice? The hopelessness of the situation?  Hezekiah is probably 39 years old. Evidently, at this point he does not have a son to replace him on the throne. Manasseh, his son is probably born 3 years later. 

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08-27-2013 – Hezekiah’s despair of life.  I love this story. I have read it many times. Lets look at the passage from Isaiah 38.“In those days was Hezekiah sick and near death. Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, came to him, and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Set your house in order, for you will die, and not live.’” 2Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, 3and said, “Remember now,  Lord, I beg you, how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in your sight.” Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah, saying, 5“Go, and tell Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father, “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.” 

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08-23-2013 – Hezekiah in sharp contrast is neither rebellious nor mentally ill. Though carrying a huge burden of a nation at war, in fact surrounded by the enemy with no apparent escape.

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08-22-2013 –  Saul reflects a man who symptoms are reminiscent of paranoia. Earlier in scripture we find David being asked to play music to help calm Saul’s anxious spirit. Saul’s acting out towards David and others with deep suspicions, reading hidden meanings in others actions, bearing grudges, feeling exploited by others are all hallmarks of the paranoia. 

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08-21-2013 – We see another component with Saul that is frequently found with those who fall into hopelessness that is rooted in rebellion. Unlike those being tested, or who find themselves in dire circumstances the rebellious person may well find themselves enmeshed in the claws of mental illness.

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08-20-2013 – News reaches Asa that a huge army, a million strong, plus a detachment of chariots, a type of weapon he did not have,  was coming up against him. King Asa goes out to meet them. Seeing the enemy he knows it is hopeless. Asa does the very thing we ought to do in such circumstances. He cries out for help to the Lord reminding the Lord of his faithfulness. The Lord’s response, not to worry, I will take care of this situation remain calm, do not lift a hand against them.  The Lord then proceeds to wipe them out to the last man and tops this by giving to Asa all of their goods.

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08-19-2013 – In sharp contrast we have the situation that faced King Asa who had lived in obedience to the Lord.

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08-16-2013 – This situation reveals the emotional state of hopelessness and perhaps the hopeless state for which there is no remedy. When the Lord issues a decree brought about by disobedience then it will happen. The only recourse is to prepare for it.

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08-15-2013 – The NIV gives a more sensitive feel for the moment, “he was afraid; terror filled his heart.” Perhaps a bit more to the point “he became frantic with fear.” (NLT) In this state unable to call upon the Lord Saul turns God’s chief enemy for advice. A medium. Saul ask her to raise up Samuel. She is surprised when Samuel appears. Samuel tells Saul that he, his sons and the army will be destroyed the next day in the battle. Hopelessness fills Saul soul and he falls to the ground in abject fear. 

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08-14-2013 – Now Saul is preparing to enter battle against his primary enemy who he has defeated several times with the Lord’s help. But the Lord has departed because of Saul great sins. Saul understands that the Lord is no longer there for him. His enemy is prepared for battle and when Saul see them he is terrified. The ESV describes it in these words “When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly. 

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