Comfortable

Isaiah 1-39 includes a lot of narrative sections that are also included in Kings or Chronicles. This is the last narrative part of Isaiah, also included in 2 Kings 20. It finishes with the smug thought from Hezekiah, "There will be peace and security in my lifetime." In the book of Kings, this is just included in the middle as it continues on in the story but Isaiah abruptly stops here and moves into long sections of prophecy about the imminent exile.

It's like Isaiah wants to draw particular attention to Hezekiah's attitude, an attitude that is an undercurrent to the entire history of the kings so far. Each King, whether they were devoted to God or not, still only seemed to have their own best interests at heart.

Hezekiah rests comfortably knowing God's judgement won't be unleashed in his days, but God is already striving to comfort those who will live through the exile before it has even happened. Whether or not we are devoted to the Lord, our own comfort can become a god in itself. It can become such a priority that we forget the struggles of the people around us or the generations to come after us.

Thought Point

What does "good news" mean to you? Does it mean peace and security for yourself, in your own lifetime?

Prayer Point

Ask God to help you move outside your comfort zone. Ask Him to give you His heart to comfort others.