Reading for today
Old Testament: 2 Kings 18, 19, 20
New Testament: Acts 22
Thoughts from today’s reading
2 Kings 19. When the king of Assyria threatened Hezekiah, he sent the elders of Judah to the prophet Isaiah to pray on their behalf. Isaiah sent back a word from the Lord to say the king of Assyria will be distracted and not attack the city. However, when Hezekiah took the further threats of the king of Assyria to the house of the Lord to pray for himself, God sent Isaiah the prophet with a very detailed prophecy about what God would do. This time, not only was the king of Assyria turned back, but he was actually killed and that was the end of his threats against Judah.
Our own prayers for ourselves are more effective than what others can pray for us even if they are a prophet. God wants to hear from our own mouth as we express the faith our own heart in prayer to Him regarding our situations.
Acts 22:6-21. Apostle Paul recounts his conversion experience, how he saw the light and heard the voice of Jesus telling him what he must do as a chosen vessel. When Ananias came to him and prayed for him, he asked him why he was waiting, that he should arise and call on the Lord.
The assignment of the Lord is urgent and requires us to stop waiting and get going to do all that He has instructed us to do. There is no time to lose in fulfilling destiny.
Prayer
1. Heavenly Father, thank you that you are more interested in hearing me talk to you about my issues than others speaking to you on my behalf. Jesus you said if I ask anything in your name that the Father will do it. I thank you that I have direct access and help from you in whatever situation I find myself.
2. Lord, may we with all urgency carry your message of Christ to the world around us. As you have called us, you have also equipped us and empowered us by your Holy Spirit to be witnesses of your goodness to men. May we cease waiting and rise up calling upon your name to strengthen us to fulfil your will for our lives in Jesus’ name.