Prayer

I’ve been reading Psalm 90.  It’s a Psalm written by Moses.  I think knowing that it was written by Moses makes me stop and take notice.  I expect the Psalms to be written by David (most are) so when I see Moses’ name, I draw near in curiosity much like he did when he saw the burning bush.  I think to myself, “here’s something to pay attention to, it’s out of the ordinary.” 

It’s a prayer…by the man who communed with the Almighty God “face to face”…by the one whose face glowed with the glory of God after spending 40 days on Mt. Sinai…the most humble man who ever lived…a friend of God…who spent hours of time in the holy place before God.

Remember how Joshua would camp outside the tent while Moses communed with the Lord?  Was Joshua trying to hear what Moses said or how he communicated with the Awesome and Glorious Lord?  Probably so – I’ve wondered myself.   Yet we have a sample, right here in Psalm 90.

In the first 11 verses, Moses reveals his understanding of who God is.  God is a “dwelling place throughout all generations”...has “brought forth the whole world”…He is infinite: “from everlasting to everlasting”…He sees “our secret sins in the light of (His) presence”…”a thousand years are like a day” to Him…what great “fear is due” Him.

God is eternal and man is finite.  Moses was experienced with people – after all, he lead over a million stubborn, stiff-necked people out of Egypt and through the wilderness for 40 years!  He was aware that our days are “like the new grass…springs up new in the morning, but by evening is dry and withered”…”our days finish with a moan”…”even the best of our days are trouble and sorrow – they quickly pass and we fly away”…and that our “iniquities are ever before” God.

In these first 11 verses, Moses is saying, “If only we knew the Lord and His awesome power, greatness, and authority, we would live out our days in greater fear and reverence for Him. And if we consider the fleeting, troublesome years of our short lives, we would see our great need and the serious dilemma we face in this life.”

Yet, Moses gives us the answer to this dilemma: Prayer.  Here in verses 12-17 we have the privilege of entering into the secret place between Moses and the Almighty.  Let’s listen quietly and respectfully to the cry of Moses’ heart in light of the frailty of his life.  Let’s glean wisdom from one who spoke face to face with God.

1          1.V. 12 “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”  The great sage, Solomon tells us in Ecclesiastes that “death is the destiny of everyone” and “the living should take this to heart.” In Psalm 139 we read that “all the days ordained for us were written in Your book before one of them came into being.”  We live in greater wisdom when our eyes are focused on eternity – and the uncertainty of tomorrow.
 
      2. V 14 “Satisfy us in the morning with Your unfailing love that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”  Even though our lives are a “vapor” and “the best of our days are trouble and sorrow”, Our Lord will grant us satisfaction, joy, and gladness ALL our days.  Yet, we must ask.
 
      3. V 16 “May Your deeds be shown to Your servants, your splendor to their children.”  We must ask the Lord to show us His works, for when we see His working or deeds in our lives we are more aware of His constant care and provision.  Faith is built and His glory is revealed not only to us, but to our children or loved ones after us.
 
      4. V 17 “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands.”  Moses worked hard to follow God’s leading and obey His word.  But he needed God to grant him favor and success to furthering the Kingdom.  So do we.

How amazing and wonderful God is to have given us a glimpse into the prayer life of a great man of God!  Let’s follow Moses’ lead to pray more diligently in the light of our own fleeting lives.  

Sometimes when I’m reading the scriptures, verses seem to be “out of place”.  In Luke 9:1-6 Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them “power and authority over all demons and power to heal diseases.  Then He sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”  They obeyed by “proclaiming the good news and healing everywhere”.  Four verses later, they reported back to Jesus - later that day, Jesus fed the 5,000 with the five loaves and two fishes. 

But sandwiched in between those verses is the following:

v.7-9   Herod, the tetrarch heard about everything that was going on.  He was perplexed, because some had said that John had been raised from the dead…”I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this I hear such things about?”  And he wanted to see Him (Jesus).

So, why did Luke choose to make mention of Herod right here in between this account?  I don’t think it was a mistake.  After all, Luke was writing under the inspiration of the Almighty.  Perhaps we are to consider our own “summons” by Christ.  He has called us, just as He called His twelve disciples to “proclaim the Kingdom of God” wherever we go.  We must remember that everywhere we go, there may be people just like Herod, who are “perplexed” about what is going on in the world – people who really want to “see” Jesus.

The word “perplexed” means “filled with uncertainty…bewildered, confused, disconcerted, baffled, confounded – full of difficulty”.  How could the good news of the gospel and healings cause someone to be perplexed?  In Herod’s case, he thought he had destroyed that “repentance message” by destroying John the Baptist.  After all, his message was “repent, and be baptized”.  Maybe Herod thought his guilty conscience over his own sin would be erased when he got rid of the “cause”.  But the call to repentance continued to resonate even as Jesus’ disciples proclaimed the Kingdom and healed the sick.

Even on the Day of Pentecost, Acts 2:12 tell us that all of the people from every nation who heard the disciples speaking in tongues by the Spirit of God in their own language, “were astounded and perplexed”.  That day, Peter stood before them and preached a message of the Kingdom with power and authority.  The people’s hearts were pierced and asked “what must we do?”   Peter told them in Acts 2:38 “Repent and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus the Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”. That day, 3,000 people were saved and “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, and to the breaking of bread, and to prayers”. 

Repentance – a must if we want to follow Christ. 

Even Herod got his chance.  In Luke 22, Pilate passed Jesus off to Herod just before His crucifixion.  v. 8 tells us that “Herod was very glad to see Jesus; for a long time he had wanted to see Him, because he had heard about Him and was hoping to see some miracle performed by Him.”  Herod kept asking Jesus questions, but He did not answer.  Neither did He perform a miracle.  Jesus’ silence revealed Herod’s hardened heart.   Herod only wanted to see the miracles – he did not want to repent of his sins.  “Then Herod, with his soldiers, treated Him with contempt, mocked Him…”

Two examples of people who were perplexed, confused, baffled, confounded…3,000 repented.  One did not. 

We must call the world to the Cross of Christ through faith and repentance.   When we are obedient to Christ’s commission to preach the Kingdom, we may encounter some “Herods” along the way.  The Holy Spirit may keep us “silent” so that He might do a greater work.  He may also give us boldness to preach to crowds as Peter did.

So, I guess I am no longer “perplexed” with a scripture that seems out of place – It’s right where it belongs!

Fishers of Men

I love when I read the Bible and find out something that I never knew before.  I have been reading the scriptures now for 38 years – and it amazes me the things that I continue to learn.  I am a slow learner at times, but I do know that the Word of God is living - wisdom and understanding flow freely from the Bible’s pages.  Just this week I experienced that in Luke chapter 5…

The crowds, longing to hear God’s word, are pressing in on Jesus.  He is standing by Lake Gennesaret.  Lake Gennesaret is actually the Sea of Galilee.  Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John (fisherman at trade) are there on the shore cleaning their fishing nets with their boats at the edge of the lake.  They had been fishing all night long without catching a single fish.  Jesus asked Peter to let him put out his boat a little from the shore so that He could be heard by the crowd.  Jesus sat in the boat and taught the people that day. 

This was the same account that was told in Mark chapter 1.   I didn’t know that.  Mark tells a more condensed version:  Jesus passes by the men and says “follow Me and I will make you fish for people” and immediately they leave their nets and followed Him.  I have often read Mark’s account and wondered how they just upped and left everything just like that??  I never questioned it much, though – just believed it. 

But it makes sense now. Luke’s account gives us more details… In the preceding chapter, Luke tells that the people who heard Jesus speak “were amazed at the gracious words that came from His mouth” (Luke 4:22) and “they were astonished at His teaching because His message had authority” (Luke 4:32). 

So as this scene opens Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John are there.  I’m sure this was not coincidental.  It was a divine appointment.  Jesus knew they’d be there.   Maybe they didn’t even pay much attention at first – they were exhausted from working hard all night long. But Jesus had a captive audience.  They couldn’t help but hear His gracious words and His message of authority.   They were experiencing the very presence of God – in His Son Jesus Christ and His words.

Luke 5:4 says “When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”  Simon Peter’s reply is “we’ve worked hard all night long and caught nothing!  But at your word, I’ll let down the nets.”   They realized after hearing Jesus that He spoke with a greater authority than anyone they’d ever met.  It was right to listen to this One who spoke the oracles of God.  So they did what He said.  And their nets were so full of fish that they began breaking.  James and John in the other boat had to come and help them.  Both boats were so full of fish they began sinking!  This blessing of obedience to God’s word brought Simon Peter to his knees in repentance…”Go away from me, because I’m a sinful man, Lord!”   But Jesus assured them, “Don’t be afraid, From now on you will be catching people!”

“Then they brought the boats to land, left everything, and followed Him.”

Jesus didn’t just walk by and say “follow Me.”  He spoke words of life to them.  He proved His authority over even the fish of the sea.  He revealed to these men that obedience to God’s word brought abundance and blessing.  The goodness of God led Simon to repentance. 

So what is the message to us?  God’s Word prepares us for the Great Commission that is given to us to go into all the world and make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey what He commanded us. 

11.      We must first hear, listen to, and obey God’s Word.  This is fundamental and foundational to our walk with Christ.  We will never have a desire to follow Him if we do not hear His word.  Daily time in His word and in His presence is imperative.

22.      Christ may tell us to go back out into “deep water” – to places we have not had success in the past and let down our nets again.  Perhaps there are people that you have witnessed to in the past without seeming to succeed – The Lord may be encouraging you to do it again.  You will never know until you take the step of obedience.  Or maybe you are weary from “working hard all night” without any fruit from your labors.  Christ encourages us to press on.

33.      Just as Simon, Andrew, James and John “left everything, and followed Him”, so must we.  From what I read here, it’s not hard when you have met Jesus and experienced His living Word and the blessings in obeying it.  By doing this, we will truly become fishers of men.

44.      Our hearts become humbled and repentant when we observe the truths of God’s Word.  When we experience the blessings in obedience, it begins a process that changes us – we are humbled before the great and Awesome God who shows us that everything is under His authority.  We see His greatness and we bow down.

Lord, open our ears to hear Your voice, our eyes to see You, and our hearts to obey.  May our obedience to your Word bring many people into Your Kingdom as we become humble and repentant fishers of men.

Two Encouraging Words

Skimming my e-mail before work one morning, I saw a message from a church member with these two words:

                                            “Excellent Blog!”

In the hurry that I was in, I quickly responded, “Thanks, that’s encouraging!  I didn’t think anyone even read it!” …then off to work I went. I was so excited that someone had enjoyed my blog.  All day long, I was planning in my head what the next subject matter would be.  I hadn’t been blogging in recent months.  I can’t say I was discouraged, but it took a lower place on the “priority list” – after all, who reads it???  But I was psyched up and ready to roll once again after those two encouraging words!

Later on that evening when I had more time to read my e-mail, I realized those two words were not actually about my blog!  – It was one of those spam advertisements that uses one of your contacts!  It referred to another website blog about some kind of vitamin.  After a dose of humiliation…and a great deal of belly laughter, I realized something.  Just two words, two encouraging words stirred my heart to do greater things.  Those two words caused enthusiasm to return and a new zeal to do the work of ministry. 

I am reminded of how important it is to say a kind word of appreciation when someone deserves it.  So many people do “behind the scenes” work and just a “thank you” would make their spirits soar.  The Bible tells us to “encourage one another daily.”   It doesn’t take much or even a lot of effort.  Just two words could lift someone’s spirit and give them new zeal for the Lord.  I will make the effort, how about you?

                                       “Excellent lesson learned!”

Jesus, the Hope of Glory!

I understand “hope”, but what is GLORY?   What exactly is the “Glory” of God?  The glory of God is His splendor, His abundance, His fullness His honor…everything that embodies a perfect holy God.  The Glory of God has been revealed to this world through His Son Jesus Christ.  The Bible tells us that the “Son (Jesus) is the radiance of God’s Glory and the exact representation of His being”.

Yet, God’s glory was revealed from the beginning of time.  The book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus, the second person of the triune God “laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens were the work of His hands.  The Psalmist tells us that “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.  There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 

And throughout the history of man, God continued to reveal His glory to a people He called out to be his own – Israel.   God revealed Himself – His splender, His abundance, His fullness - to His people through His prophets at many times and in various ways.  He revealed Himself with a cloud, or a fire, or wind or earthquake – He revealed His will and His heart by speaking to His prophets, who would then speak the Word of God to the people. Nearly 800 years before the Jesus’ birth, a promise was given through the prophet Isaiah.  He wrote, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace.  Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end….”    A sign would be given: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel”, meaning “God with us”!  God spoke through other prophets of His promises for hundreds of years.

But there was a day and time when God was silent.  He hadn’t revealed Himself corporately to His people for several hundred years.  Yet, God’s people Israel  – Generation after generation had heard the reading of Isaiah’s scrolls and continued to hope in the promise that he spoke of:  One who would bring a government of peace, bearing it on His shoulders:  They were waiting for the Christ, the Messiah, Savior – a Deliverer for His people. They had heard of the God of Glory – but had not seen with their eyes…

But in the fullness of time… 

 God had sent an angel to a young girl, Mary, betrothed to be married,  from Nazareth a town in Galilee.  He said, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.  You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.  He will be great and  will be called the Son of the Most High. … ” …the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God”.  Mary believed and humbly received this announcement, then faithfully – “ May it be as you have said”…

Jesus, The Hope of  Glory  – His fullness, His spender brought to earth, in the womb of a virgin just as Isaiah had prophesied!

Mary’s betrothed husband, Joseph, had also had been spoken to.  “The Lord appeared to him in a dream…do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins”.

Jesus, The Hope of Glory  – The Redeemer of Sins Revealed to a faithful man – confirming again Isaiah’s prophesy

So when she was great with child, because of Caesar’s decree for a census, they had to make the trip to Bethlehem… and Mary went into labor – And because of the crowds, there was no room in an inn –.  So the child of promise was born in a stable. Such a lowly and humble beginning for the One who was the “exact representation of the Father” – the Son of God –Immanuel - God Himself in incarnate!

That night, like every other night, there were shepherds in the fields keeping watch over their flocks. The occupation of shepherd was a very lowly occupation.  In fact, watching over the flocks in biblical days was usually the job of the youngest child in the family.  It was his or her first family responsibility. These shepherds were most likely raising the very lambs that were used in the temple sacrifices.  It was their job to ensure “lambs without spot or blemish” for the atonement for the sins of the people.  I read that often when a lamb was born out in the fields, it would be in danger of being trampled by the flock, so the shepherds would wrap them up in rags and place them in the animals’ feeding trough to keep them safe and from breaking their legs – so that they would be without blemish.    We all know the story – they were in the fields when  “an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified…Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: He is Christ (messiah) the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger”…then ‘a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace to men on who His favor rests.”  Once again, the prophets very words are confirmed .

So they hurried to find the baby – and I wonder if as they looked upon that child, wrapped in swaddling clothes (or rags), lying in a manger …Did they make the correlation?  Did they see their own little lambs wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger – the spotless lambs being being prepared for sacrifice for the sins of the people?   This moment would be forever etched in their minds – Perhaps 33 years later they would look upon that child as a man hanging on the cross and truly understand the….

The Hope of Glory, Jesus – The Lamb of God that takes away the sins of all mankind – Once again, the words of Isaiah confirmed, revealed to the young, poor, and the lowly

Then there were Wise men from the east – the Magi.  They lived in a far east land who know nothing about the God of Israel – if they did, it was only by word of mouth – He may have been a curiosity to them – they may have even heard of God’s promise of a deliver in Isaiah’s prophesy.  But they worshipped something else – the stars.  Their God was the earth and sky.  But remember, “The heavens declare the Glory of God and the earth displays His power.”   God revealed His presence, His glory, His splendor to earth by a star in the sky – The Magi were certain (not just hopeful), but certain that the brilliant star was a sign that a great king was born.  So sure, in fact, that they followed it to Jerusalem and asked where he was!  When they found Him, They gave gifts fit for a King, yet most importantly they bowed down and Worshiped Christ, the Messiah… no longer the earth and sky – but Him who made them!

Jesus, The Hope of Glory – revealed to wealthy kings and pagan worshipers –searching the creation, and finding their Creator!

Eight days later, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple to be circumcised.  “Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout.  He was waiting for the consolation of Israel.  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  That day, moved by the Spirit he went into the temple courts.  When the parents brought in the child Jesus …Simeon took him and took Him in his arms and praised God saying:  I can now die in peace - “for my eyes have seen your salvation”…

Jesus, the Hope of Glory revealed to a devout man- watching and waiting, believing a promise of God

There was also a prophetess there in the temple, an 84 year old widow named Anna.  She never left the temple, but worshiped day and night, fasting and praying.  At that very moment she gave thanks to God and prophesied that Jesus would bring redemption to all people.  God, revealing Himself with the voice of a prophet once again!

Jesus, The Hope of Glory - revealed once again through a prophetess - an old widow who worshiped day and night – wholeheartedly giving herself to the Lord.

Jesus Christ, the Hope of Glory – God’s fullness and splendor revealed to planet earth!  That first Christmas – Wouldn’t you have loved to be there?  What a beautiful story and a beautiful message to remember each Christmas. 

But where is Jesus, the hope of Glory now?  The Glory of God is still being revealed to us today… Jesus is still revealing Himself to us today.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes on Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.”  It is God’s desire that all would see His glory…His fullness, His splendor…

He still reveals Himself in the places that seem just as impossible as a virgin conceiving a child…

He reveals Himself to the young, the old, the poor, the lowly…

He reveals Himself to the wealthy kings…the pagan worshiper

The devout and righteous

The ones who fast and pray…

 Jesus Christ has come to the world for all.  It doesn’t matter who you are or where you came from, the message that came through Israel, is now offered to all  the world:  whether you are young or old, rich or poor – You could be looking for God in all the wrong places, worshiping the creation and not the creator: 

Yet, He didn’t come to earth just to display His splendor; in fact He humbled himself and laid down His deity… He came to die.   Why? - In our place, so that we wouldn’t have to.  The bible says that all have sinned and fallen short of the GLORY OF GOD. And the wages of our sin is death – In the presence of a perfect holy God, we cannot stand righteous.  Jesus came to earth to give us hope – He was tempted just like we are - yet He was without sin.  Therefore He could become the perfect sacrifice for our sins. 

Do you think reaching God is IMPOSSIBLE?…  What is more impossible than a virgin conceiving a child?

Do you think you are too young or unimportant, lowly or poor?  God first entrusted the message of the good news of Christ’s birth to the young and lowly and poor. 

Have you been worshiping the wrong god?  Looking to the creation and not the Creator.  Maybe He is shining the light of His glory in your heart tonight, the star in the sky – and now He’s brought you understanding, like the Magi.

I can tell you for certain that you are not too wealthy, too important, too devout, or too righteous to be touched by the Hope of Glory – Jesus Christ. 

Do you know that you could have, just like Simeon at the Temple, been “moved by the Holy Spirit of God” read this today – so that you too could behold your salvation?

There is one thing I notice about all the biblical examples I have just given you. They all came from different walks of life, yet none were proud.  All humbled themselves and believed God’s message….

Before Jesus went to the cross, He prayed for all those who would believe: “Father I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world” John 17:24

Christ doesn’t just want to give you a place in Heaven – He wants to show you His glory here on earth.

Have you believed?    Just as Mary had to believe, Joseph had to obey, the shepherds had to seek, and the Magi had to bow down in worship to the True God – so do you.  Has God revealed Christ the Hope of Glory to you just now?   The Bible says “Today is the day of salvation; now is the acceptable time”.  .  It’s simple, just believe and receive.   Just pray a simple prayer: “Lord I humbly come to you.  I believe that you are the Son of God – and I am a sinner in need of a Savior.  Lord Jesus, Come into my life, and I will worship you” …AmenI

If you prayed that prayer a new life will begin for you – you’ll be a new creation – your sins are forgiven, eternity awaits you, a new hope will fill your heart…

                                                   THE HOPE OF GLORY, JESUS CHRIST!

 

Hezekiah (Continued)

So, I continue to consider our friend Hezekiah in II Kings 18.  Let me remind you that the scripture tells us that “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord…trusted in the Lord…held fast to the Lord and did not stop following Him; he kept the commands…And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook.” (vv 5-8)

 I noticed something interesting in v.4:   Hezekiah’s rule began with a spiritual cleansing of the places of worship.  He had “removed the high places, smashed sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles”.  All of these places of worship were directed at the gods of the day – not Jehovah – the One True God.  But the Bible tells us also that “He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made”.  That bronze snake, though, was a symbol of God’s deliverance.  I’m sure you remember:   God led His people by Moses out of Egypt, through the Red Sea and into the wilderness. He provided water from a rock and  He provided good, nourishing “manna” daily for them to eat. He destroyed enemy armies all around them, He led them faithfully through every trial – kept them warm with a pillar of fire by night and cooled with a pillar of cloud by day in the desert.   But the people grew tired of it and began to grumble and complain.  They spoke against God and against Moses.  So, God sent venomous snakes that bit the people and many died.  But, the people repented and begged Moses to pray to the Lord for deliverance.  God spoke to Moses and told him to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole.  Anyone who was bitten could merely look at it and live.  That bronze snake saved their lives.  It was also a type and shadow of Christ and the deliverance that He would bring to all mankind.  Just as the Israelites could be delivered from the curse of their sin, we too can look to Christ and live. 

That bronze snake was meant to be kept as a reminder of the forgiveness and faithful loving kindness of the Lord.  So, why would Hezekiah destroy such a good thing?  The answer is in the latter part of v. 4: “for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it”.  They were worshiping the bronze snake rather than the Lord Himself.  Matthew Henry in his commentary says, “good things, when idolized, are better parted with than kept.” 

Are there “good things” in your life that you have idolized? – a husband, a wife, a child, a house, a job, a church, a ministry,?…The list could go on.  All these good things in our lives have been given to us by the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He desires to bless us with all good things, but is a jealous God.  Our hearts must be totally surrendered and our worship must be always and only to Him.   Perhaps today, we need to search our hearts and “break into pieces” any “bronze snakes” that we are worshipping. 

Hezekiah

I’ve been reading about Hezekiah.  Are you familiar with him?  You can find accounts of his life in II Chronicles 29-32 and II Kings 18-20.  If you are familiar with him, what do you think of at the mention of his name?  Most likely you remember him as the king of Judah who was dying and God gave 15 more years of life.  You know, the one who was given the sign of his healing by God “backing the sun up 10 ten steps”…the one who was then lifted up in pride – and the added 15 years of his life were his downfall.  A son born to him during that time became the next king of Judah – Manasseh, who “did evil in the eyes of the Lord”.  He was 12 years old when Hezekiah died.   

I’ve often, through the years, heard preachers expound on this aspect of Hezekiah’s life. They say, be careful what you ask for – it may be the thing that destroys you.  They put much blame on Hezekiah for his son’s evil.    They focus on those last 15 years. But, I’m not so sure we should.

Hezekiah’s  great grandfather was Uzziah. II Chronicles 26 tells us that “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” and “as long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.”    However, after he “became powerful, his pride led to his downfall”.  In unfaithfulness and unconsecrated for the task of priest, he attempted to burn incense to the Lord in the temple.  The Lord struck him with leprosy and he “had leprosy until the day he died”.  He reigned 52 years and had great success, victories, power, and wealth – all given to him by God, yet when he died, “people said, “He had leprosy”.  I don’t know how many years he “did what was right in the sight of the Lord”, but people only remembered how his life ended.  

Fifty two years of reigning as king, doing right in the Lord’s eyes, seeking the Lord, and having success was forgotten.  His sin of pride overshadowed all the good in his past.  The history books remember Uzziah as the one who “had leprosy”.

That’s sad.

Hezekiah’s grandfather was Uzziah’s son, Jotham.  What was said of him was that he “grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord His God”.  “He did what was right in the sight of the Lord”. 

That’s good.

Hezekiah’s father was Jotham’s son, Ahaz.  “He did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord…following the detestable ways of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites…he promoted wickedness in Judah and had been most unfaithful to the Lord” .   He “became even more unfaithful to the Lord”… when trouble came on him and his people.

That’s sad.

Then Ahaz died and his son Hezekiah became king at the age of 25. Even though Ahaz  followed detestable ways, promoted wickedness, and was unfaithful to the Lord, the scriptures tell us that Hezekiah “trusted in the Lord”  (II Kings 18:5).  “He held fast to the Lord and did not stop following Him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook.” (II Kings 18:6,7)

That’s good

But do we remember Hezekiah for that?  No, often he is remembered for the sin of pride after God had so miraculously healed him and promised him 15 more years of life.  Then we further blame him for improperly raising his son Mannassah.

That’s sad….

But I don’t see a pattern here.  Good kings begat evil sons and evil kings begat good sons.  So what do we learn from these examples?

1)      We all have a personal choice to make.  Whether we have had a good parental example or a bad one, the choice to serve God and walk in His ways is ours.  There is no excuse for upbringing.  We cannot say, “I had a bad example growing up, therefore I cannot truly walk a righteous life”.  The fact of the matter is this:  obey God, follow His precepts and all His promises are yours.  It will be good for you and for those around you...  That’s good…

2)      Parents often blame themselves for a wayward child.  Though we do reap what we sow at times, our children do have their own choices to make.  And they often choose the way of the world. And …that’s sad.

3)      God is faithful.  If we yield our trust in Him and follow His ways, we will be blessed and God will grant us success in our dealings….  And that’s good…

4)      We must be careful to serve the Lord ALL THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES.  One indiscretion can ruin our reputation.  A soiled reputation can erase may years  of good things.  …and that’s sad..

SO, MAY WE GET TO THE END OF OUR DAYS AND IT  BE REMEMBERED OF US …

THAT WE TRUSTED IN THE LORD AND NEVER STOPPED FOLLOWING HIM – THAT THE LORD WAS WITH US AND GAVE US SUCCESS IN WHATEVER WE UNDERTOOK.

                                 …THAT WOULD BE GOOD!