Isaiah 36-39

CG Discussion Questions:

1.When was the last time you were confronted with an overwhelming situation where you literally had no idea what to do? What did you do? Share with the group.

2.Read Isa. 36:4-22 (long section). Describe how you would have been feeling had you been an Israelite on the city wall, listening to the taunts of the enemy.

3.Why do you suppose Hezekiah turned to Isaiah? When was the last time you poured out your heart to another Christian man or woman about how you are REALLY doing?

4.Read Isa. 37:14-20. Having received a new threat in the form of a letter, what did Hezekiah do? What was the basis of his confidence? How can your prayers change to reflect this confidence?

5.Read Isa. 37:36-38. Be amazed at the ease with which God can answer prayer.

6.Read Isa. 38:1-8 and then 39:5-8. How could Hezekiah go from such urgent prayer for himself to an almost total disregard for the fate of his own children? How might we also plummet from the heights of desperation for God to utter disregard for those we should love?

7.While Hezekiah models faith in the face of the Assyrian threat, he fails as well with pride and a lack of love towards those he leads. How is Isaiah preparing his audience for the upcoming Messiah?

8.Get honest with prayer. Spend at least 20-30 minutes calling upon God together. Only our pride stands in the way.