Shaken But Not Taken (Isa. 36:1-22) (Part 1)

Background: For this week's Bible verses to make sense, there are four things you need to know.

• Hezekiah was the King of Judah.  The kingdom of Judah consisted of two tribes (Judah and Benjamin).
• The dominant world power at the time was Assyria (not to be confused with Syria).
• The King of Assyria was Sennacherib.
• “Rabshekah” was not a proper name. It was a title that meant “cup-bearer” or “high, trusted official.”  This was Sennacherib's trusted adviser, who was skilled at oratory.

Introduction:

• Can you remember a time when you lost confidence in someone or something?
• What thoughts bounced around in your mind? What emotion did you have to corral?
• This week's Bible story is about three politicians who almost lost confidence in God and in their leader.  (That's a story that will sell! Manipulated enough, it could be front-page in tomorrow's Wall St. Journal.)
• Read the story in Isaiah chapter 36, verses 1 to 22.
• Is your confidence being shaken? If so, how should you respond?