GRACE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP | 恩道堂

The Babylonians came to congratulate Hezekiah for recovering from his sickness. But the real reason was to spy on Hezekiah’s wealth so that Babylon may acquire it later for its war chest. Hezekiah showed off his wealth because of his pride. Because of this prideful act, God prophesied that Babylon will attack Jerusalem one day and carry off its wealth and people. Hezekiah’s response to the prophecy is puzzling. He either responded selfishly or tried to encourage his people in light of a negative prophecy. This event shows us that no matter how great a leader is, he still falls short. Our ultimate hope and reliance is in our triune God. In chapter 40, God prophesies the advent of Jesus, the perfect king, whom we can fully rely on.

God, we thank you for the gift of leaders in our family and church. We desire to submit to them and join them to fulfill the goal of building a community of believers who will love one another and spread the gospel. But we also know that these leaders are not perfect. Our ultimate hope and reliance is in the Great shepherd, Jesus, not in His undershepherds. We will support your undershepherds and pray for their weaknesses, just as we are also weak and need other’s prayers and support. For no one is independent of the body of Christ, we are supposed to mutually built up by one another (1 Thes. 5:11). Thank you, God, for the gift of leaders in our family and church. May you continue to bless them and strengthen them.

巴比伦王因希西家病而痊愈前来祝贺他。事实上，他们是要窥探希西家的财宝，叫他们日后能掳去，可以作作战储备。希西家因为心中骄傲炫耀了他的财富。基于这狂傲的举动，神预言巴比伦日后将攻打耶路撒冷，并掳去她的子民和财宝。希西家对此预言的回应令人费解；他若不是自私，就是想在领受这个负面的预言后鼓励以色列子民。这件事显示不论一个领导有多伟大，他仍亏缺了神的标准。我们最大的盼望和依靠即是我们的三一真神。在40章中，神预言了耶稣的降临；这位完美君王是我们全然能依靠的。