There came a time, when Isaiah brought news to Hezekiah. 

2 Kings 20

“In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said,  Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.”

It is interesting the way Hezekiah handled the news.  Did he complain and mope?  Did he just accept the Word of the Lord?   NO:

“Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,”

We need to learn, our first response should be turning from our troubles, and turning to the Lord.

Pay attention to what he prayed.  He reminds the Lord of his devotion. 

“I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight.”

Like Moses, he reminds the Lord of their past relationship.  With weeping.  He allowed his emotions into his prayer, he was real.

Isaiah didn’t get very far, he had to bring another word from the Lord to Hezekiah. 

It is interesting to note, Hezekiah had powerful prayers, prayers that moved the Lord.  Hezekiah didn’t receive the Lords answers himself. 

“And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him,”

When we allow ourselves to pray, in groanings that cannot be uttered,  when we allow our Spirit to speak directly to the Lord…  He shows us His will.

“Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.”

He doesn’t stop there, He goes to the heart of the matter.

“And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.”

He gave directions for a healing poltus…  Isn’t it just like us, we want more.  We want confirmation. 

And Hezekiah said,  “What shall be the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the LORD the third day?“

Isaiah said, “This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that he hath spoken: shall the shadow go forth ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?  And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.”

Ask for the impossible,  seek that which is beyond our grasp, expect the Lord to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask, think or even image. 

“Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and he brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz.”

After this, Hezekiah foolishly showed all the kingdoms treasures to strangers from Babylon. 

Isaiah said:  “Hear the word of the Lord.

Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the Lord.

And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”

This is really bad news.  Sadly, Hezekiah answered:  “Good is the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days?”

Who cares what happens to my people and children, as long as peace reigns in my time.

A sad end to a once great king.