An International Drama
"... deliver us... so that all kingdoms on earth may know that
You alone, O LORD, are God" 2 Kings 19:19.

Making disciples of all nations is an international drama. Human governments often hinder the establishment of God's kingdom of grace. In some lands--

• Laws prohibit citizens from converting to another religion.
• Governments turn a blind eye to persecution of Christians.
• Rulers permit no missionaries from outside.
• Officials delay missionary visas in hope of a bribe.

In 2 Kings 18-19 we find a three-act drama that reveals the Lord's ability to do the seemingly impossible on the international stage. Read the dramatic story in your Bible, and use this e-column as your CliffsNotes (TM).

Title: Prayer to the Ruler of Rulers

Leading Characters:

• Godly King Hezekiah of Judah, described in 2 Kings 18:1-8.
• King Sennacherib of Assyria, the world power of that day. His name, roughly translated, means "I'll smash your face in."

Setting: Jerusalem, 701 BC. Assyria's army is only 35 miles away.

Act I: The Assyrian Menace (2 Kings 18:17-19:9)

Scene 1 (18:17-37). Sennacherib's field commander rides up to Jerusalem and tries to intimidate Hezekiah's soldiers with a verbal tirade. He derides their military strength and claims the LORD told Assyria to destroy Jerusalem. Finally, he boasts that no god can rescue them from Assyria's hand.

Scene 2 (19:1-9). Hezekiah is deeply troubled, but he doesn't fire a scathing comeback at the Assyrian field commander. He doesn't give his army a fiery pep talk. Instead, He does something the world considers weak and foolish--he humbly prays and seeks God's Word. In reply, the Lord promises victory and temporarily distracts Sennacherib.

Act II: You've Got Hate Mail (2 Kings 19:9-19)

Scene 1 (19:9-13). Sennacherib writes an antagonistic letter brimming with arrogance. "Do not let the god you depend on deceive you," he warns.

Scene 2 (19:14-19). Hezekiah spreads Sennacherib's letter before the Lord. Judah's king doesn't sound desperate. Instead, he confesses his faith and praises God. His ultimate goal is not to save his own kingdom, but to expand God's rule over the nations: "Now, O LORD our God, deliver us from his hands, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O LORD, are God" (19:19).

Act III: Trounced by an Angel (2 Kings 19:20-37)

Scene 1 (19:20-34). Speaking through the prophet Isaiah, God chides the King of Assyria for his pride and promises Hezekiah both victory and the renewal of his nation.

Scene 2 (19:35-37). In one night, the angel of the LORD puts to death 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. Later, Sennacherib is assassinated while worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch.

1. Often our fears are aroused when actors on the world stage arrogantly slander God, as Sennacherib's field commander did in Act I. In such situations how often are you driven to despair? How often are you driven to prayer?
2. In Act II, what details indicate that Hezekiah's faith is growing stronger despite the mounting pressure? Where does he expect salvation to come from?
3. Search Act III for evidence and promises that God holds sway over the earth. Apply them to the current mission obstacles you face.