Prayer: Father, I shake my head at Hezekiah’s arrogance, foolishness, and naivety. Help me to be wise in sharing what should be private. Amen.
Reading: Isaiah 39 key: vs. 4 “Then he asked, “What have they seen in your house?” Hezekiah said, “They have seen everything in my house. There is nothing among my treasuries that I didn’t show them.”
Attention: Kings and presidents frequently host other foreign dignitaries and leaders, showing off their pride and accomplishments, military might, and riches. The western world loves to do the same.
Years ago, I planned a visit to see the University I attended in Southern California. The trip had some fun built into it too. We planned to see Disneyland one day of our trip. Unbeknown to us, a dignitary from Japan, the Emperor, was scheduled to visit. When we arrived, we noticed that there was heavy security around and large groups of press and news reporters were assembled. The daily parade was delayed. There was a heightened sense of preparation and accommodation for the Emperor.
For some gifts, King Hezekiah was willing to show off his empire. The record shows he did not spare showing his new frenemies “everything.”
The thing which just amazes me is the king’s response to Isaiah’s prophecy. “‘Behold, days are coming when everything in your house, which your fathers have stored up to this day, will be carried to Babylon—nothing will be left,’ says Adonai. ‘Moreover, some of your descendants—who will issue from you, whom you will father—will be taken away and will become eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.’” Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of Adonai which you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “For there will be shalom and security in my days (vs. 6-8).”
Did you understand Hezekiah’s response? He patted Isaiah on the back and said, “That is a good word! “For there will be shalom (peace) and security in my days.” He had no concern about his sons, and daughters, or grandchildren.
We have a comparable situation in our nation. We may be able to pay off student loans, but our leaders are creating a national debt load which our children or grandchildren will collapse under. We have little concern about what we are creating for our children too.
Action: I choose to exhibit discretion about my personal affairs and pray for the elimination of the debt we are imposing on our children.
Yield: I choose to give You honor and praise for my provision and act humbly before all people.
Engage: I choose to engage in humility before You and everyone.
Relationship: I choose to live in humble, obedient relationship with Adonai.
Prayer: Father, thank You for this example of Hezekiah’s boastfulness and lack of concern for the nation and his children. May we take heed in our nation and personal lives. Amen.
Memory Verse: Jeremiah 9:22-23 “Thus says Adonai: “Let not the wise boast in his wisdom nor the mighty boast in his might nor the rich glory in his riches. But let one who boasts boast in this: that he understands and knows Me. For I am Adonai who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth. For in these things I delight.” It is a declaration of Adonai.” TLV
Music Video: Acapella—Humble Thyself in The Sight of The Lord https://youtu.be/0N1IoIHeQc8?si=9vPXx4QJ3dveZ09u
Remember, “Abide in Yeshua, today!”