Read through the Bible Day 213 – Isaiah 37-39

King Hezekiah is the kind of guy I understand. He struggles. He falters. He overcomes. He is overcome. And he looks out for others, but then for himself.

I get that struggle.

I don’t like it, but I get it. I want to be the hero of faith. I want to be Joshua. I want to be the one who always has pure motives, who never seeks for himself but I struggle.

In today’s reading we see that very thing in King Hezekiah.

Up to today’s reading, the man we look at had not exactly been walking well with God. But he finds himself with his back against a wall, and turns immediately to God. He removes all His pride and acknowledges the Maker of Heaven and Earth. He knows only here can he find any hope if hope is to be found.

When God gives direction, Hezekiah is obedient – completely. Another problem comes, and Hezekiah is obedient – completely. Israel is saved when all others failed.

Things move along and Hezekiah finds himself being told that God is going to take His life and Hezekiah immediately turns to God again. Once again he begs the only One who can do anything to show mercy. And again God does.

But this faithfulness is tempered by an event that occurs later. For He prepares to make an allegiance with the Babylonians and shows them how much he has and how it would be beneficial for both nations.

Having already gone through this once, Isaiah is sent by God to confront Hezekiah about this interaction with a pagan nation. Hezekiah admits to it. When told later generations will pay for this mistake, Hezekiah is okay with because he himself will be fine.

And the true selfishness of Hezekiah is revealed.

How did this happen? He was confronted with his sin, why didn’t he immediately repent?

We have a lesson here.

Do we turn to God only when are backs are against the wall? Do we obey only when it suits us? Are we willing to repent of sin only when we can see the immediate impact upon us? Or are we willing to repent simply because sin is wrong and it is revealed in us?

The life of Hezekiah shows us that our every choice and motive is seen and weighed by God and can have a significant impact not only on us but on others and future generations. Let us weigh each choice and motivation with these things in mind, seeking to honor the God of all creation with each decision made.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Isaiah 40-42