2 Kings 20 News and a Response

King Hezekiah hears the news from Isaiah that he should put his house in order because death is not too far away. He weeps bitterly hearing this news and God listens with His open ear. God in His mercy extends Hezekiah’s life by 15 yrs and he is healed. How he responds is what we need to look at. Hezekiah is obviously overjoyed at this news and in his excitement welcomes the Babylonian enemies to his home as they come with gifts because they have heard of his illness. Hezekiah then takes the Babylonians on a tour of his home, his treasury and the glitter of his kingdom. As we read this we stop and ask ourselves how would we have responded?  

Obviously Hezekiah fails to realize that these are gifts from the Lord and they are to be held in humility, not in pride, but his heart is not in alignment with God. After their departure, Isaiah comes to tell him the fruit of his negligence in protecting God’s immense wealth and gifts. Again, it is Hezekiahs’ response that we need to zero in on. Isaiah’s words should stop us in our tracks and cause us to seek God’s face and forgiveness but Hezekiah is so “full of himself” that he fails to see the impending repercussions. As Hezekiah hears the words of the Lord which are devastating, he does not humble himself but says “The Lord’s message which you have announced is appropriate.” Then he added, “At least there will be peace and stability during my lifetime.”  “Sigh”…how can the news of the Babylonians destruction of Jerusalem, his own children taken captive be good? 

Our responses to the words of the Lord should cause us to be humble but oftentimes it is our pride that stands in the way. Today, if you were in Hezekiah’s shoes how would you have responded?