Day 201: Ruled by Christ

2 Corinthians 5:11-6:13; 2 Kings 18; Micah 7

So what makes Paul so awesome? He is "ruled by Christ's love." He is "careful not to judge people by what they seem to be." He shows that he is truly God's servant. In all sorts of difficulty and suffering, he has been patient, pure, understanding, and kind, and said and done only what is right by God. He told the truth about himself and of God. So many times we (including myself) focus on what we shouldn't do: don't do this, don't do that, stay away from there, etc. But as believers, what should we do? We should live as God's servants, being joyful in affliction, and truthful in our message.

Finally, Hezekiah shows up and rules Judah the right way! He not only obeys The Lord, like the rest of the kings had, but he refuses to compromise, and tears down all the shrines and idols of other gods. He wants pure devotion to The Lord because he knows that is what will save the people. And not too long after he has done the right thing, do people come and attack him. Assyria scoffs at his decision, as if one God isn't enough to protect them. But we must believe that our God is enough, just as Hezekiah did in this moment. The Assyrians planted doubts about the leadership of Judah as well as the God that they had chosen to worship. Same thing happens today. Following The Lord completely is not going to be easy, if it was, everyone would do it. However, Hezekiah knew it was right. I can't wait to read how Hezekiah responds !

This is very powerful from the book of Micah:
"But I trust The Lord God to save me, and I will wait for him to answer my prayer. My enemies, don't be glad because of my troubles! I may have fallen, but I will get up; I may be sitting in the dark, but The Lord is my light. I have sinned against The Lord. And so I must endure his anger, until he comes to my defense. But I know that I will see him making things right for me and leading me to the light."