THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Perhaps the Lord your God will heed the words of Rebekah. Likewise, the people of Nineveh expressed, “Who knows, God may yet have compassion on us and turn away His fierce anger from us” (Jonah 3:9). What lesson can we draw from this? Even when we may not expect mercy, we must persist in prayer. The term “Asche” (may be, if) reflects an uncertain mindset. God communicated a similar message to the prophets: “and hear, saith He” (Deuteronomy 5:27), followed by “Oh, if only their hearts were so” (Deuteronomy 5:29). Despite knowing that the Israelites would not heed Him, God did not withhold His encouragement; we should follow this example. It may very well be that the Lord your God will hear the words of Rabsak, who could not even acknowledge Him as his God. So, what do you think?
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You pray to God while hoping for salvation not due to your own prayers but due to the misdeeds of your adversary; this is echoed in the parables that advise against rejoicing when an enemy falls, for that brings displeasure to the Lord, who may then turn His wrath away from them (Proverbs 24:17-18). Often, it is not the merit of the redeemed that prompts divine intervention, but rather the guilt of the wicked that invokes God’s help. In this scenario, Rabsak’s troubled state of mind displayed profound humility. Do you recognize how disgraceful slander is? Do not presume that these were merely the words of Rabsak; they originated from the king, as indicated, “Whom the king of Assyria sent.” He delivered such hollow and arrogant statements to provoke the living God. This was not merely a siege against the city or an embarrassment for us; rather, it brought us great sorrow that he dared to speak such things against God and insult Him with harmful words, while not a single word was uttered to reveal his supposed devotion. However, let us pray for the remnant still alive. Observe how the unjust taunts of the enemy, the prayer of Hezekiah, and the sorrowful condition of the oppressed unite in deep anguish. We should also seek the intercession of those who can approach the Lord freely, for they stand as strong fortresses for our protection. Yet, it is insufficient to rely solely on them. Hezekiah himself remained diligent in prayer, first on his own and then alongside the prophet. Therefore, prayer must remain a priority, rather than solely depending on the saints. The king donned sackcloth despite his glory, determined to continue the conflict. But you, an ordinary person, lacking honor, approach God not in humility but adorned in finery, neglecting to reconcile with the One who is angry with you. No one who remains inactive can find favor with the King of kings or please Him who has been stirred to anger. Reflect on the greatness of the One to whom you pray, the enormity of your sins, and the fragility of your nature; acknowledging this in your heart, humble yourself. Even if enveloped in rags, you have yet to do anything deserving of Him whom you seek to please. This is a season for mourning and tears, not for merriment and joy; we continually sin and provoke God’s wrath; should we not at least refrain from sin for a brief time?