Dear Parents,
He’s a chip off the old block. Like father, like son. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. These idioms exist because sons tend to look and behave like their fathers. When it came to Hezekiah and his father, Ahaz, however, the two were far from similar.
When Ahaz was king of Judah, he did not respect God, God’s law, or God’s prophets. He worshiped idols. Ahaz “did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord his God” (2 Kings 16:2). He led the people away from God, provoking God’s wrath and anger.
Hezekiah, on the other hand, “did what was right in the Lord’s sight just as his ancestor David had done.” Hezekiah destroyed the places of idol worship and cleansed the temple. (See 2 Chron. 29.) The Lord was with Hezekiah, and Hezekiah prospered.
Hezekiah was a faithful king who led the people of Judah to worship God like they were supposed to, but even good kings are sinners. His wealth and success led to pride. How did Hezekiah react when God said everything in his palace would be carried off to Babylon? “Who cares? I’ll be dead by then.”
Jesus is our faithful King who never sinned. Check out some of these definitions for the word faithful: “strict or thorough in the performance of duty”; “true to one’s word, promises, or vows”; “steady in allegiance or affection”; “loyal”; “constant”; “reliable, trusted, or believed”; “adhering or true to fact, a standard, or an original”; “accurate.”
Jesus completed His work—the redemption of sinners. He said on the cross, “It is finished!” (John 19:30). Jesus is faithful over God’s house as a Son. (Heb. 3:6) His obedience is steadfast. (Isa. 50:4-10) “Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8). One day Jesus will return to make all things the way they are supposed to be. (Rev. 1:1-6)
Hezekiah prayed that God would save His people from their enemies so that everyone would know that He is the one true God. God answered Hezekiah’s prayer. Jesus also prayed for His people to be saved. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus brought glory to God by rescuing people from sin and death.
Help your kids see that Jesus is the greater Hezekiah. Hezekiah interceded for his people to ask God to save them from their enemies, but Hezekiah was a sinner and needed to be saved himself. Jesus was sinless and He interceded for His people to save us from sin and death.
FAMILY STARTING POINTS
● Babies and Toddlers
○ There is one true God.
○ Hezekiah trusted in God.
○ Hezekiah asked God to keep His people safe.
○ There is no one like God.
● Preschool
○ How many gods are there? There is one true God.
○ God answered Hezekiah’s prayer.
● Kids
○ How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.
○ God answered Hezekiah’s prayer.
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