Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD,
Hezekiah, king of Israel, was gravely ill when a prophet of God brought him the message that he should die, and with death pronounced upon him he turned his face to prayer, crying unto the Lord and asking for life. The Lord heard His servant's prayer for life and graciously delivered him, answering by sending word that he would be spared. Fifteen years were added to his life as a new lease of life.
Although one word from God could have healed him instantly, God joined the answer with a remedial agency. By divine direction and prescription He appointed a simple natural remedy, a lump or bunch of figs laid as a plaster or poultice upon the boil or affected part for recovery. That remedy was blessed by God and worked in harmony with nature. His caretakers were thus directed away from treatments that hindered recovery, and God's restoring power worked through a remedy available to people.
The answered prayer gives sanction for prayer for the sick in connection with the use of the remedial agencies God has provided. Prayer and faith work together with practical means, and using such remedies does not deny faith but is compatible with trusting God. Healing is not to be expected by God's word alone without means. The turning back of the shadow on the sundial was the sign of the wonder of that granted new life.
Hezekiah, king of Israel, was gravely ill when a prophet of God brought him the message that he should die, and with death pronounced upon him he turned his face to prayer, crying unto the Lord and asking for life. The Lord heard His servant's prayer for life and graciously delivered him, answering by sending word that he would be spared. Fifteen years were added to his life as a new lease of life.
Although one word from God could have healed him instantly, God joined the answer with a remedial agency. By divine direction and prescription He appointed a simple natural remedy, a lump or bunch of figs laid as a plaster or poultice upon the boil or affected part for recovery. That remedy was blessed by God and worked in harmony with nature. His caretakers were thus directed away from treatments that hindered recovery, and God's restoring power worked through a remedy available to people.
The answered prayer gives sanction for prayer for the sick in connection with the use of the remedial agencies God has provided. Prayer and faith work together with practical means, and using such remedies does not deny faith but is compatible with trusting God. Healing is not to be expected by God's word alone without means. The turning back of the shadow on the sundial was the sign of the wonder of that granted new life.