During the reign of Hezekiah, King of Judah, 8 centuries
before Christ, the Assyrian Empire, under King Sennacherib, was expanding
aggressively. After laying siege to numerous cities and conquering a host of
nations, Sennacherib turned his attention to Judah, and to the city of God, Jerusalem
itself.
We read today how the Assyrian King wrote a letter to the
Jewish King, Hezekiah, a letter whose aim was to intimidate and to undermine
his trust in God. And the Assyrian King’s
letter was aimed at creating fear and distrust: ”Do not trust your God, who
says he will save you…You have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all
other countries: they doomed them! Will you, then, be saved?”…
This is how the enemy of God often works. The enemy seeks to
undermine our trust in God, by creating fear, panic, despair, and
discouragement.
But Hezekiah gives us a beautiful example of what people of
faith are meant to do. Hezekiah takes this letter, and he goes up to the temple
of the Lord, and he spreads the letter out before God. Hezekiah brings the
actual problem into the presence of God and seeks, not just deliverance, but
God’s glory.
Lord, look at this. “The kings of Assyria have laid waste
the nations” and now they threaten your people. “You, Lord, have the power to
save. Save us…that the kingdoms of the earth may know that you are God.”
What a beautiful model of prayer for us. Lord, here are the
facts, here are the threats to my family, here are the challenges we face as a
parish in our evangelizing mission. Lord, you have the power to save us. Save
us, that unbelievers may know that you are God.
Notice, Hezekiah does not simply pray, “Lord, make this
problem go away,” but “Lord, save us in such a way that your glory is made
known.”
Of course, when we are afraid, when we are burdened, when we
are overwhelmed, we should ask God for help. The Lord wants us to bring our
fears and challenges to him. But Christian prayer does not stop at
self-preservation. Christian prayer asks: Lord, how can even this become an
occasion for your glory? How can this trial become a witness? How can this
burden be instrumental in the salvation of souls?
When our challenges are surrendered to God in this way, they
become a participation in the saving cross of Christ. In this way, our crosses become ordered to
the highest good, to the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
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Trusting in the Lord who hears the prayers of his people,
let us bring before him the needs of the Church and the world.
For the Church: that in times of trial, opposition, and
discouragement, she may place her trust in the Lord and bear faithful witness
to his saving power, and for our parish: that the challenges we face may become
occasions for deeper prayer, renewed mission, and greater witness to the glory
of God.
For the leaders of nations: that they may work for justice,
peace, and the protection of the vulnerable.
That our young people on summer vacation may be kept safe
from the poisonous errors of our culture, and that their families may be places
where the faith is practiced and cherished.
For those who do not yet know the Lord, or who have lost
trust in him: that through the faith, perseverance, and charity of Christians,
they may come to know that the Lord alone is God.
For all who are burdened by fear, anxiety, illness, family
conflict, or financial hardship: that they may bring their trials before the
Lord and receive his strength and peace.
For the faithful departed: that those who carried the cross
with Christ in this life may share forever in the glory of his resurrection.
O Lord, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the
earth. Hear the prayers we place before you today. Save us from fear and
discouragement, strengthen us in faith, and make even our trials serve your
glory and the salvation of souls. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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