God’s Banner Over Us While We Reign Here On Earth

Psalm 20:1-5; 60:4-5,11-12; Romans 5:17-21; REVELATION 5:10; 2 CHRONICLES 29:1-3; 31:20-21 Psalms 20:1-5

Hezekiah trusted the Lord, unlike any other king in Judah before him. He clave to God and did not depart from following Him. As a reformer, he was bold, courageous, he was reflecting, practical and proactive.

vs 4-5,15. He went into every section, he commanded the priests and the Levites to sanctify themselves, as well as the house of the Lord. Promptly, they followed his instructions to the letter. All the unclean things they packed out and dumped them in Brook Kidron (vs 16). Hezekiah had a prepared heart, he reflected deeply, sought the Lord, wrought righteousness in obedience, and served the Lord with all his heart. He was able to effect the needed reformation in the land. As we look at our own standard and perfect example, Jesus Christ and we reflect, our lives will be turned around richer and greater than Hezekiah’s. Have a readily prepared heart for the outpouring of God’s blessings upon your life (Job 11:13-18; Job 22:21-28; Proverbs 16:1-3).

1. PRACTICAL RENEWAL AND RIGHTEOUSNESS WITH A PURPOSEFUL HEART

If the record of your lives were to be taken, will we go through several pages before we see anything tangible? Today, angels will record something good about you. Before leaving your house each day, if you don’t make up your mind as to the pattern and model you are going to follow, or make up your mind to live and please God as a matter of compulsion, society and people around you will determine and derail your destiny.

Anywhere you are, be it Babylon, Rome or Lagos, you must be focused on pleasing the Lord alone. We must have a purpose in our hearts like Daniel (Daniel 1:8). With all the evil kings that reigned before him, and the infectious evil of idolatry, Hezekiah chose to be different, he was determined to do good.

Hezekiah chose to live his life different from his father, Ahaz. He made up his mind to swim against the tide. Dead fish flow with the river because it has no life, but live fishes swim to any direction they choose. Be prepared to swim against the tide of evil (Psalm 17:3).

A purposeful and determined life’s goal is established by counsel. Anytime problems arose, Hezekiah sent for Isaiah for counseling. Seek divine counsel always (Proverbs 15:22-26, 15:22-24). Hezekiah took the letter from Sennacherib to the house of God. Prophet Isaiah assured him by the word of the Lord, thst by the way he came, by the same way he would go back (Psalm 33:8-19). Thank God you are chosen! The counsel of the Lord shall stand over your lives! And only one night, an angel of the Lord smote 185,000 soldiers of Assyria on behalf of Hezekiah!

– Welcome to victory!

– Welcome to the reigning life!

– Welcome to the conquering life!

Isaiah 44:24-26

24 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

25 That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;

26 That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:

God always stand by to defend His own, He did it for Hezekiah, now, it is your turn.

1. PASSIONATE REQUEST AND RESOLUTENESS WITH A PERFECT HEART: II Kings 20:1-6

Hezekiah received a prophecy from Isaiah that he should put his house in order because he would die. Negative prophecy/dream is not the end of life. It’s just the signal of a new beginning. Hezekiah did not complain to Prophet Isaiah, neither did he ask him for prayer, rather, he prayed to God directly, bringing to remembrance all the good works he had done. He had a record, so also, you ought to have a record: you have been washed in the blood of the Lamb. Your name is written in the book of life.

vs 5. God turned Isaiah back to Hezekiah, the man who refused to die. So he died not! Every negative prophecy pronounced on your life is shattered. God will hear your prayers and a change is going to happen. He has your name recorded in the Book of Life, washed by the Blood of the Lamb – you cannot die young. Whatever you say No to will not happen. God called Hezekiah ‘the captain of my people’ it is important for you to know what God calls you. He promised to heal Hezekiah and granted him additional 15 years!

What if Hezekiah accepted the words of Isaiah, a major prophet as final? Thank God he did not.

II Kings 20:1-5. Below are the lessons we learnt from Hezekiah:

1. A Perplexing Problem vs – 1
2. A Prophetic Pronouncement vs – 1
3. His Passionate Prayer – vs 2
4. His Perfect Portrait – vs 3
5. The Prompt Performance – vs 4
6. The Positive Promise – vs 5
7. His Prolonged Period – vs 6 Extension of his life, expansion of blessings – Psalm 91:1-16.

Satan cannot come under the shadow of the Almighty. You are secure.

Start counting your 15 years from the time your life was supposed to end, not from now.

God promised to satisfy us with long life.

Something practical, positive, purposeful is coming upon your life. Long life, longer life and meaningful life is your portion. What a great and bright day for you!