Weekly Reflection – I Have Heard Your Prayer

“Return and say to Hezekiah the leader of My people, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of your father David, “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you…””

— 2 Kings 20:5

Hezekiah, the twelfth king of Judea, was a righteous leader. Walking in the ways of King David, King Hezekiah set his heart to follow God. At a time when Judea experienced political and spiritual corruption, Hezekiah repaired the gates of the temple and cleansed it from desecration. King Hezekiah reorganized the priests and the Levites, reinstituted the celebration of Israel’s feasts, and eradicated idolatry throughout the country. People flocked to Jerusalem to worship at the temple as Hezekiah sought to rally the people back to God.

But a wholehearted commitment to God does not mean His children are free from trials and tribulations. Hezekiah fell deathly ill, and the prophet Isaiah encouraged the king to prepare for his impending death. Hezekiah cried out to God upon receiving this grim news, reminding God of His faithfulness. Such a bold reminder was itself an act of faith, as Hezekiah trusted that God was compassionate and would heal him and bless him according to His covenant love.