Isaiah 39

“The word of the Lord you have spoken is good,” Hezekiah replied. For he thought, “There will be peace and security in my lifetime.”

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This chapter in Hezekaih's life is a disappointment for me.

After Hezekaih was healed, King Merodach-baladan son of Baladan of Babylon sent messengers with greetings and a gift to Hezekiah. He had heard that Hezekiah had been sick and was now well. Hezekiah received the messengers warmly. He took them on a tour of his royal precincts, proudly showing them all his treasures: silver, gold, spices, expensive oils, all his weapons—everything out on display. There was nothing in his house or kingdom that Hezekiah didn’t show them.

Just a little bit of pride...in spite of the fact that he promised to walk humbly all his days.

When Isaiah asked about the visitors Hezekiah said "Oh, they were some folks from a long way off...Babylon. I showed them everything I have."

Have you heard the term reconnoiter? These weren't just ordinary visitors. Isaiah  knew this and said " now listen to this Message from God: I have to warn you, the time is coming when everything in this palace, along with everything your ancestors accumulated before you, will be hauled off to Babylon. God says that there will be nothing left. Nothing. And not only your things but your sons. Some of your sons will be taken into exile, ending up as eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”

Do you know what bothers me most? It's Hezekiah's response. He said “Good. If God says so, it’s good.” Within himself he was thinking, “But surely nothing bad will happen in my lifetime. I’ll enjoy peace and stability as long as I live.” This is Hezekiah at his worst. He doesn't seem to care that his foolishness will result in the destruction of Judah. It will all happen after he dies.

"I've got mine..."

I confess, in my own life, I commonly lose spiritual steam shortly after God has blessed me. I don't like that about myself. And I'm not much different than Hezekiah. I rarely wonder how my conduct will affect my children and grandchildren. Mostly, I'm concerned that my life will be peaceful and stable.

It might be good to remember God's words to Hezekiah...time is coming when everything in this palace, along with everything your ancestors accumulated before you, will be hauled off to Babylon.

Live boldly out there today...