Devotions: Who Is the Real God?

 

“Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have devastated the nations and their lands and have cast their gods into the fire, for they were not gods but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone. So they have destroyed them. Now, O Lord our God, I pray, deliver us from his hand that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, O Lord, are God.”

2 Kings 19:17-19 New American Standard Bible 1995

 

I love this prayer of Hezekiah! He was one of the last kings of Judah, but one of the best. The Bible says that he did right in the eyes of God according to all David had done. That is evident in his response to the prospect of war and being besieged. The king of Assyria had conquered every nation in the land including the northern 10 tribes of Israel. His armies were formidable and rightfully confident of victory. He expected to defeat Judah with fear before his armies even arrived. Instead of giving in to fear, Hezekiah turned to God and expressed complete faith and trust in the one true God. Not only was he concerned for his people’s well-being, but also for the name of God. Assyria defied and defamed Him openly and he asked God to defend Himself to the glory of His name so the nations would know how the real God is.

When he talked about Assyria destroying the nations’ gods was not an indication of their belief. At that time, everyone except the Jews believed that each region had its specific god or gods and if they were kept happy they would protect the inhabitants. Assyria destroyed the idols as a sign that he (and probably his gods) was more powerful. He intended to do the same in Jerusalem, but as Hezekiah said, those were not real gods but only creations of man that they worshipped. We serve the only real God. Even the Israelites had traded the true God for gods they made. Only Judah stayed true.

How often do we worship the product of our hands rather than the one true God? What do we turn to for help before turning to our Savior? Does your lifestyle show a deep love and concern for the glory of God? Ask God to reveal where your heart isn’t true. Ask Him to realign your priorities. Give your heart fully to Him.

 

 

 

To view a video of this devo, visit my facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/evelynbray.author

To receive these devotions daily, like my page or subscribe to my blog by entering your email in the subscription box to the right!