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What Do They See?, August 23
2 Kings 20:1-19
Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah
answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among
my treasures that I have not shewed them.
Isaiah 39:4
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The visit of the ambassadors to Hezekiah was a test of his gratitude and
devotion.... Had Hezekiah improved the opportunity given him to bear witness
to the power, the goodness, the compassion, of the God of Israel, the report of
the ambassadors would have been as light piercing darkness. But he magnified
himself above the Lord of hosts. He “rendered not again according to the benefit
done unto him; for his heart was lifted up.” ...
The story of Hezekiah’s failure to prove true to his trust ... is fraught with an
important lesson for all. Far more than we do, we need to speak of the precious
chapters in our experience, of the mercy and loving-kindness of God, of the
matchless depths of the Saviour’s love. When mind and heart are filled with the
love of God, it will not be difficult to impart that which enters into the spiritual
life. Great thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth, unselfish
purposes, yearnings for piety and holiness, will find expression in words that
reveal the character of the heart treasure.
Those with whom we associate day by day need our help, our guidance.
They may be in such a condition of mind that a word spoken in season will be
as a nail in a sure place. Tomorrow some of these souls may be where we can
never reach them again. What is our influence over these fellow travelers
What have your friends and acquaintances seen in your house? Are you,
instead of revealing the treasures of the grace of Christ, displaying those things
that will perish with the using? Or do you, to those with whom you are brought
in contact, communicate some new thought of Christ’s character and work? ...
O that those for whom God has done marvelous things would show forth His
praises, and tell of His mighty works. But how often those for whom God works
are like Hezekiah—forgetful of the Giver of all their blessings
[242]
34
Prophets and Kings, 346-348
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35
The Signs of the Times, October 1, 1902
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250