2 Kings 20
Today's Passage: 2 Kings 20
Hezekiah gives us a look into the human heart during suffering and prosperity.
As we begin our passage, Hezekiah is about to die – even Isaiah tells him that he doesn’t have much longer. But Hezekiah, in faith, prays to God and asks for healing. I don’t think his prayer is selfish. He was in agony and called out to the only one who could save him. It reminds me a lot of David’s prayers in the Psalms. God responds graciously and allows him to be “resurrected” (healed) on the third day (v. 5). Hezekiah shows us the dependency we can show to God in the midst of suffering.
But then, Hezekiah does something terrible. The Babylonians bring him a present because he is sick. Babylon was a mighty nation at the time so maybe Hezekiah felt seen and important because of this. So he decides to show the Babylonians EVERYTHING, which is not a good idea. Isaiah informs Hezekiah that Babylon is going to conquer them and take everything away with them – even Hezekiah’s sons. And Hezekiah responds in such a prideful way, he basically says, “Well that’s ok because it won’t happen during my reign.” Throughout this whole section, we see the pride of Hezekiah. He wanted to show off all he had. He knew destruction was going to happen and was fine with it since it didn’t personally affect him.
Tony Merida said, “prosperity often crushes dependency.” If that is true, may our hearts be dependent on God and continually praise Him for all that He is doing. May we see blessings as not about how amazing we are, but how majestic God is. May we keep our eyes on the one who has provided all things – in the good and the bad.
Written By: Brice Stockton
Hezekiah gives us a look into the human heart during suffering and prosperity.
As we begin our passage, Hezekiah is about to die – even Isaiah tells him that he doesn’t have much longer. But Hezekiah, in faith, prays to God and asks for healing. I don’t think his prayer is selfish. He was in agony and called out to the only one who could save him. It reminds me a lot of David’s prayers in the Psalms. God responds graciously and allows him to be “resurrected” (healed) on the third day (v. 5). Hezekiah shows us the dependency we can show to God in the midst of suffering.
But then, Hezekiah does something terrible. The Babylonians bring him a present because he is sick. Babylon was a mighty nation at the time so maybe Hezekiah felt seen and important because of this. So he decides to show the Babylonians EVERYTHING, which is not a good idea. Isaiah informs Hezekiah that Babylon is going to conquer them and take everything away with them – even Hezekiah’s sons. And Hezekiah responds in such a prideful way, he basically says, “Well that’s ok because it won’t happen during my reign.” Throughout this whole section, we see the pride of Hezekiah. He wanted to show off all he had. He knew destruction was going to happen and was fine with it since it didn’t personally affect him.
Tony Merida said, “prosperity often crushes dependency.” If that is true, may our hearts be dependent on God and continually praise Him for all that He is doing. May we see blessings as not about how amazing we are, but how majestic God is. May we keep our eyes on the one who has provided all things – in the good and the bad.
Written By: Brice Stockton
No Comments