Have you ever listened to an opinion about someone else that was negative, only finding out it was not a true assessment of that person?
Paul was dealing with that same thing from false apostles that were among the Corinthian church who were claiming that Paul really didn’t love them. He said, “We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange–I speak as to my children–open wide your hearts also.” (2 Corinthians 6: 12-13) He loved them as his own children.
- Our opinions need to be what we formed ourselves, not what anyone has tried to form in us.
- Having an open heart is a loving heart that is welcoming.
- A wise heart welcomes, but a discerning heart guards. We need both. (Shared from 2 Corinthians 5: 11-6: 13, Modified)
Micah is speaking forth truth about guarding our hearts. He tells of Israel’s misery and he sends a warning saying, “Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend. Even with her who lies in your embrace, be careful of your words. For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises up against her mother, a daughter-in-law, a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.” (Micah 7: 5-6)
- Discern who you trust and open wide your heart to.
Micah turns the bend with some hope when he says, “Watch in hope for the Lord, wait for God, My Savior, My God will hear me” (Micah 7: 7)
(Shared from Micah 7, Modified)
A New King Had The Lord’s Heart Hezekiah is now king of Judah. “Hezekiah trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel.” (2 Kings 18: 5) He demolished all the high places that were erected to their pagan gods. “The Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook.” (2 Kings 18: 7)
- A heart after God releases favor.
The King of Assyria came up against Samaria and besieged it. He then overtook the cities of Judah. Hezekiah was willing to make appeasement to the King of Assyria. How? He gave him all the silver that was in the temple and the treasures in the royal palace. He even stripped off the gold that covered the doors and doorposts of the temple and gave it to him. Was that a heart of appeasement or stupidity? He wanted to avoid his attack.
- We can’t buy peace to pacify an enemy.
The Assyrians were attempting to cleverly drive a wedge between Hezekiah and the people.
- Wise-hearted folks see the enemy’s strategy to separate good relationships.
The Assyrians were trying to convince the Judahites that they were weak militarily, which was true. They were wanting to turn the people against Hezekiah, their leader and king that they loved. But, “The people remained silent and said nothing in reply, because the king had commanded, “Do not answer him.” (2 Kings 18: 36)
- Silence is our best reply. Don’t ever try to win an argument with Satan and his servants.
The obedience of the people, by not answering the enemy, stopped a revolt against the leadership of Hezekiah.
- Not answering when verbally attacked, disarms our enemy.
Having a wide, discerning heart, brings forth a heart after God.
A heart after God will bring forth your desires and His. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37: 4)
(Shared from 2 Kings 18, Modified)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
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