Hezekiah’s Visitors And Death

We brought our newborn son, Adam, to the pediatrician for his first check-up. As he finished, the doctor told us, “You have a very cute baby.” Smiling, and with pride I said, “I’ll bet you say that to all new parents.” “No,” he replied. “just … More

Pride

In Hezekiah’s pursuit of an anti-Assyrian policy he made alliances with both Egypt and Babylon.  When he was sick (possibly with boils) the king of Babylon sent him presents as well as letters wishing for his recovery (v. 12). Attempting to show gracious hospitality to the messengers he showed them all the treasures of his kingdom (v. 13). When Isaiah heard about this he asked the king what these Babylonians had seen in his house (vv. 14-15). When the king told him Isaiah delivered God’s message that someday the Babylonians would come and take all of it including some of his sons (vv. 16-18). We have been learning about the greatness of Hezekiah, but in his greatness came weakness as he became lifted up with pride and revealed to his future enemy all that he possessed (vv. 19-20). When Hezekiah died, his son Manasseth became the next king (v. 21).

Four simple points can be found in this text:

1. Remember where we were. Before we were saved by God’s grace, we were sinners, without strength, and  without hope. Let us never give to anyone the      impression we were saved by our own strength or good  works. Hezekiah should have said “all glory belongs to    God.”

2. Remember whose we are. Hezekiah should have told his visitors, “This is not mine, all that I have belongs to God.

3. Remember where we are going. Hezekiah should have said “This is nice, but it is nothing compared to the glory that shall be revealed. In Heaven they pave the streets with gold!”

4. Remember where we could have been. Although  Hezekiah was a great king, he could have been even greater. We are either going to say, I’m so glad I did,” or “I wish that I had....”

Application

I have no reason to be proud because everything I am, have, or hope to be belongs to Him.

 

II Kings 20:12-21 (English Standard Version)


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