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 For he held fast to the Lord. He did not depart from following him, but kept the commandments that the Lord commanded Moses.
2 Kings 18:6 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/2ki.18.6.ESV

Hezekiah was a bit like the Zelensky of his day in that Assyria, like Russia with Ukraine, was trying to take over Judah. Unlike Zelensky however, the secret of his success wasn't support from another worldly power (like America or Babylon). This verse is the secret of Hezekiah's success.

When the world wants to obliterate you, there's no point looking to some other worldly faction to deliver you. Instead, we should hold fast to the Lord, who is the only One who will never let us down. Nothing can separate God's people from His love.

There's no point following God for a season and then deciding that we can't be bothered any more. We have to be all in, like Hezekiah. Only then will we reach the promised new creation.

None of us keep God's commandments perfectly. Not even Hezekiah did that. By showing off to the Babylonians, he caused them to put Judah in their sights, never mind their Assyrian adversaries. Our imperfections shouldn't be an excuse not to strive for holiness however.

'Heavenly Father, we're grateful for Your love for us in Christ. Please help us to follow You faithfully, all our days, until You call us home, in Jesus' name, amen'

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