IN 2 Kings 20 we are given a striking example of how God delights to honor the faith of His children. King Hezekiah was sick, and, having heard from Jehovah’s prophet that the sickness was unto death, the dying man turned his eyes to God and besought, with strong crying and tears that his life might be spared.
It has been well said: “Prayer moves the arm that moves the world to bring salvation down.” Hezekiah’s prayer was heard. The prophet announced that God would spare the king’s life. Then Hezekiah said; “What shall be the sign that the Lord will heal me?... Let the shadow return backwards ten degrees.”
And God, Who is plenteous in mercy, gave His child the desired sign, for, in answer to prayer, THE SHADOW TURNED BACK. And in due time Hezekiah was raised up from the very gates of death.
Literally, the shadow turned back—the sunlight was extended to warm and comfort the sick man’s heart. Figuratively, the shadow turned back, for
the soul-deadening blight of hopelessness
and dread was lifted from the king, and he knew himself a saved man.
How often in the history of men God has intervened in a similar way—turning the shadow back! Let us consider a few examples for the strengthening of our faith.
When the enslaved nation of Israelites was trekking out of Egypt, pursued by Pharaoh and his hosts, the shadow of destruction loomed over them. Before them the road was blocked by the Red Sea, on either side rose impassable mountains, behind them thundered the Egyptian cavalry. It was left to Moses to intercede with God for His distressed people, and, in answer to prayer THE SHADOW TURNED BACK. The powerful Egyptian army was overthrown, and as for the Israelites—
God raised the waters like a wall and opened up their way, — And the God Who lived in Moses’ time is just the same today.
The same experience was granted to the people of Jerusalem when the heathen King of Assyria laid siege to their city and sent out his blasphemous challenge: “Hearken not unto Hezekiah when he persuadeth you, saying, ‘The Lord will deliver us.’ Hath any of the gods of the nations delivered at all his land out of the hand of the King of Assyria?” What happened? The people of Jerusalem saw their king go in solemn assembly to the house of prayer in order to spread the matter before God. And again, in answer to prayer, the enemy was confounded-THE SHADOW TURNED BACK.
Looking into
the history of our own land
we remember the proud Armada sent by Philip of Spain to wipe the Protestantism of England off the face of Europe. The Roman Catholic world had pinned faith to that “invincible Armada,” but God blew with His wind, and, in the darkness of the night those great Spanish galleons were dashed to pieces off the shores of England. THE SHADOW TURNED BACK.
It was the same when Napoleon was hacking his way across the world, in defiance of God and man. He brushed the falling snowflakes from his tunic as he marched his army across the Russian wastes, little dreaming that it was actually by that same soft, silent, pitiless, endless snow that God was about to destroy his army and stage one of the most awful debacles of history. Again, THE SHADOW TURNED BACK.
The years have passed. Today our people are engaged in war again. Let us remember that Britain was once a land of Bibles, a land where the Lord’s Day was Honored, where missionary enterprise held its premier position. For many years past we have marked a saddening declension. Let us pray that God may not deal with us after our sins. Let us beseech His Throne that once more THE SHADOW BE TURNED BACK.
Remember the conditions which prepare the way for renewal and revival are laid down in 2 Chronicles 7:1414If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14). “If my people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
In Britain’s Camps.