Hezekiah

I have been reading in 2 Kings 20 about King Hezekiah who fell ill to the point of death. The prophet Isaiah went to him and told him, “…Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover” (v.1). Immediately, Hezekiah began to weep and asked the Lord to remember his faithfulness. Before Isaiah had left the court, God told him to go back to Hezekiah and tell him, “…I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you” (v.5). God promised to add 15 years to Hezekiah’s life. Hearing of his illness, the King of Babylon sent gifts to Hezekiah, who was more than hospitable to the Babylonian messengers. Verse 13 says that “…There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them.” As a result of his flashiness, God’s response was that everything and everyone would be carried off to Babylon. Hezekiah said, “The word of the Lord you have spoken is good. Will there not be peace and security in my lifetime?” (v.19).

These were my thoughts when I read this passage: First of all, was King Hezekiah sincere in his request that God spare his life? The Bible says that he “wept bitterly”, but I can’t help but wonder how I would react upon learning of a terminal illness and being told point blank that I was about to die. When I read this, I saw so much of myself because I knew that my response in this situation would be the same: “Lord, haven’t I served you? Haven’t I been faithful? Haven’t I been a good wife and mother? Why me, Lord?” Apparently, the condition of Hezekiah’s heart pleased God, because he extended his life by 15 years. I wonder if the promise of an absolute extension of life was more of a curse than a blessing for him? It seems to me that Hezekiah became proud and boastful in his remission. I’m not quite sure at this moment in Jewish history if the Babylonians were a very threat and enemy to Israel, but I would think that you would not want to lay all your cards on the table, so to speak, for an enemy or a friend. Some cards are worth holding to your chest and apparently God was not happy with Hezekiah’s showiness to the Babylonian messengers. Gifts or no gifts. For me, it is so hard to remember that everything I have is a blessing from the Lord. When I was a little girl, my daddy would remind me when I prayed to remember to thank the Lord for a roof over my head, clothes on my back and food on my table. As I’ve gotten older, those prayers have changed-mostly based on my circumstances-but I have forgotten the basics. It starts with remembering that absolutely nothing I have is “mine.” I am going to begin working on this mind-set.

Lastly, Hezekiah’s response for God’s judgment really concerned me. It was as if he was saying, “I’m okay with that (judgement), Lord. As long as it happens after I’m gone.” Did he not care enough for his family and descendants to be concerned about their future? Did he not care enough for his kingdom to prepare for the battle? It seems that he became complacent and carefree in his heart. I can’t help but think of how complacent I have become in my own heart for people who are lost without God as their Savior. I know that judgment is coming; I know that there is a battle to prepare for. And, yet, I haven’t done my part. For the most part, there is peace in my life; judgment will come after I am gone.

Oh, Father…for the grace to cover a complacent heart. Forgive me of my haughtiness and pride. Forgive me for not preparing others for your coming judgment. Thank you for the roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food on my table. Remind me, Father, that everything I have is a blessing from you. May You alone rule in my heart forever. Amen.