Overview

Isaiah 36:13-18

Today’s message, “Special Deliverance,” examines how God delivers His people in times of fear and threat, looking at King Hezekiah’s response to the Assyrian army in Isaiah 36–37. We see that dependence precedes deliverance, God’s glory is the goal, and our need is met in His name.

Dependence Precedes Deliverance

Isaiah 37:1

Hezekiah’s first move when he heard of the threat against him was to go to God. In his response we see that rescue starts with humble dependence. True dependence treats God not as one option among many but as the only hope.

• As soon as King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth and went into the house of the Lord.
• He is a jealous God that will not tolerate seeing him as one option of many that we have.
• He tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and went straight to the house of the Lord.
• Dependence is the catalyst to deliverance.

Glory is the Goal 

Isaiah 37:2-4

Hezekiah seeks help that will glorify God’s name, not just ease Judah’s pain. Our prayers for deliverance should desire God’s glory first.

• Hezekiah does not ask for deliverance because of what it will do for him as king and for his people and country.
• The focus in God’s power to deliver is not me getting what I want or need from a situation, but God receiving the glory.
• The deliverance was more for the sake of elevating God than provision and protection.

Your Need is Found in God’s Name

Isaiah 37:5-7, Isaiah 37:14-16

When deliverance is delayed, our faith is strengthened by calling upon God by name. Every need we face is met in who He is.

• God will not be mocked. He is to receive all glory and honor.
• Just because the healing took time, doesn’t mean God didn’t do it.
• Your need is found in His name.

Jehovah Nissi - Fight your battles

Jehovah Jireh - Meet your need

Jehovah Rapha - Heal your body

Jehovah Shalom - Be your peace 

Conclusion

Isaiah 37:20

Just as Hezekiah’s prayer for deliverance was rooted in a desire for God’s glory to be known, our prayers for help should ultimately be for His honor and glory.