Jesus, stand amongst Your people with power and authority.  Dispel the powers of darkness that try to dispel the light You shed on the lives of your servants, and save us from every work of the enemy.  This we ask through our Saviour Jesus, who by His death and Resurrection, overcame death and hell.  Alleluia!   AMEN

Use these for group work, or to assist your personal reflection.

1. How does this text illustrate the temptation to unbelief?  How common are such temptations today?
2. The Commander in Chief asked the people of Jerusalem to make peace with him (36:16).  How does Satan tempt us today to find peace outside of the church?
3. What gods claim our allegiance today, and claim to be more important than Almighty God?

Topis covered by this text

• Truth and falsehood
• The truth of prophecy
• Belief and unbelief amongst God’s people

Personal comments by author:

It is fascinating to see how the details of this story confirm what I always thought to be generally true, that this story validates the work of Isaiah, the prophet most quoted in the New Testament.  It is a harrowing story, and we feel for those involved at the time, but thank God, the faithful people of that day are now in a position to look at the fuller meaning of the story as part of God’s eternal plan, just as we are.  Nevertheless, we face today the same question.  Can we see through the problems of our own day and perceive the hand of God at work to achieve His eternal purposes?

Ideas for exploring discipleship

• If possible, share with a close member of your family some of the ways in which you believe that you are tempted by Satan, and ask for prayer to help you stand firm.
• Pray about the life of your own church, and in the light of today’s reading, ask the Lord to protect its leaders and its place in God’s plan for eternity.

Please refer to the general advice on the page  ‘discipleship challenges’

The notes below are offered to help you think about the challenges of God’s Word. Read the notes and suggestions below, but don’t try to follow through any more than one thing at any one time!