2. The Story Finding Your Story in God’s Story “The Beginning of the End” Series 2 - God Pursues His People

3. Review Chapter 15 “God’s Messengers”

5. Israel Judah

6. I. Israel’s Exile 2 Kings 17 King of Assyria attacked the King of Israel, Hoshea Hoshea stops tribute and conspires against King of Assyria Attach on Samaria – Capitol of Israel

7. This disaster came upon Israel because – 17:7-9 Sinned against God Followed practices of pagan nations Built pagan shrines God warned them – 17:13-15 Sent prophets (messengers) They would not listen God swept them away from his presence – 17:18-23

8. II. Judah’s Deliverance 2 Kings 18 Hezekiah – king of Judah – 18:1-8 Did what was pleasing to the Lord as David had done Successful in everything he did Revolted against king of Assyria

9. Assyria’s threat – 18:19-20, 28-30, 35 What are you trusting in that makes you so confident? Don’t listen to Hezekiah when he says “the Lord will rescue us” What God has ever been able to save its people from my power?

10. Hezekiah’s Prayer and God’s reply through the prophet Isaiah – 2 Kings 19 19:1-7 Perhaps the Lord has heard the Assyrian king defy the living God The Lord says – do not be disturbed by this blasphemous speech from the Assyrian King I will move against him 19:32-34 I will defend this city and protect it For my honor and for the sake of my servant David

11. Delivered by the Angel of the Lord- 19:35-36 Angel killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers

12. Hezekiah’s sickness and healing – 2 Kings 20

14. Isaiah declares Judah’s exile to Babylon 20:12-21 Isaiah reveals that the exile of Judah will be temporary

15. Isaiah 49:23 “Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed. Then the whole human race will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob”

16. III. Our Own Deliverance

17. Isaiah 53:3-6 (NLT) 3 He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. 4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! 5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. 6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.

18. People with a covenant with God Yet the enemy attempts to destroy, bind, and even exile Hezekiah – Example of what moves the hand of God Purity – removal of the idols Humility – trust in God Faithfulness – serving single mindedly

19. Application - If someone were to ask you, “On what are you basing this confidence of yours?” (2 Kings 18:19) what would be your answer?