DELIVERANCE FROM EVIL LETTERS

ISAIAH 37:14-20

INTRODUCTION

Destiny is like giving birth, you need physical, spiritual, emotional, mental and social strength (37:3). Have you ever received an evil letter, SMS, email or evil messenger? Hezekiah the king of Judah received a terrible letter. The past is an important part of today’s actions and tomorrows plan. The people and kings of Judah had a rich past filled with God’s action, guidance and commands. Hezekiah was one of the few kings of Judah who was constantly aware of God’s acts in the past and His interest in the events of everyday life. Hezekiah was a reformer in civil and religious matters of the kingdom. He had a personal growing relationship with God. He had a powerful prayer life. Hezekiah was also weak, he showed little interest or wisdom in planning for the future and protection for the spiritual heritage of others. He was more a terminal thinker than a relational thinker. Look at the summary of Hezekiah’s life (2Kings 18:5-6). Hezekiah received an evil letter from the King of Assyria, Sennacherib. The field commander of the armed forces of Assyria tried to confuse Hezekiah. Satan is a confuser. To avoid Satan’s deceit, study to know God’s word. Great trouble had come to Hezekiah because of Assyrians invasion. Are you in trouble? Pray.

Let us consider:-

I.  THE CAUSE OF HIS TROUBLE (V.14)

• It was “A letter” only a letter, a veritable, “A Messenger of Satan”
• For some, the postman’s bag may contain moral and social torpedoes.
• This letter was an attempt to destroy his faith in God (V.10-13)
• This letter was meant to dispossess Hezekiah of his inheritance and to bring him into bondage.
• The enemies of our souls are always active towards bringing us into bondage.
• Their letters may be beautifully written, but they are terrible and bitter to the soul.
• Have you recently received threats, is the enemy insulting your God and your faith in Him? Pray.

II.  WHAT HE DID WITH IT (V.14)

• “He spread it before the Lord”
• Hezekiah revealed his faith in God.
• He did not spread it before the “face of heaven” but before the face of an Almighty personality.
• “For he that cometh to God must believe that He is” (Heb.11:6)
• This shows Hezekiah’s thoroughness. He spread it.
• He laid the whole matter –A-Z, right before God.
• Always be definite in your dealings with God, be honest and confidential with God.
• What is a trouble to you is interesting to your God and Father.

III.  THE CONDITION OF NEED (ISAIAH 35:3-4)

• The people of God are here reminded of three sources of weakness that hinder their life and work.

1. They have “weak hands” hands hand down (Heb. 12:12-13)

• How can a servant work or a soldier fight with weak hands?

2. They have “feeble knees”, they cannot walk straight and steady.
   • They are easily upset, a little opposition and they turn aside.
   • Their knees are feeble for lack of the practice of prayer.
3. They have a “fearful heart”. This is the worst thing to happen, it is the main cause of all trouble.
   • When the heart is pure and strong, the hands and knees will soon be strong and steady.
   • Fearfulness is a result of lack of faith.

• Hezekiah refused to be fearful, he went to the temple of the Lord and spread the letter.
• The temple is the place of meeting with God. Jesus Christ is now the temple where we meet God. Hallelujah.
• The servant of God is commissioned to strengthen the weak hands, to confirm the feeble knees, and encourage the fearful in heart.
• When this is done “Behold your God will come” (V.4)
• Your God will come with vengeance on your enemies. He will save you.
• “Say to them that are weak, feeble and fearful, Be strong, behold your God will come.

IV.  HOW HE SUCCEEDED “The Angel of the Lord went out and put to death 185,000 men of Assyria” (Isa. 37:36-38)

• Hezekiah had prayed “Now, therefore, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdom of the earth may know that thou art the Lord” v.20
• God answers prayer so that His name is glorified.
• When the angel of death spreads his wings in the blast, then woe be to those who fight against the kingdom of God.
• By the blast of God, they perish (Job.4:9)
• The Lord saves and delivers from evil reports, letters, emails, SMS and any verbal threats.
• Prayer of faith brings comfort and deliverance (Matt.17:20)
• 185,000 men dead, while Sennacherib was worshipping his idol his two sons killed him with the sword. The king of Assyria was no more.
• The enemies of God’s children will be no more when God comes.

CONCLUSION:

• Are you weak, feeble and fearful of heart? God will come!
• Are you threatened by witches, wizards and witchcraft planters? God will come.