Basic HTML Version
Hezekiah Humbled Himself, September 28
Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the
inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord came not upon them
in the days of Hezekiah.
2 Chronicles 32:26
.
Filled with remorse, “Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart”....
But the evil seed had been sown and in time was to spring up and yield a harvest of
desolation and woe. During his remaining years the king of Judah was to have much
prosperity because of his steadfast purpose to redeem the past and to bring honor to
the name of the God whom he served; yet his faith was to be severely tried, and he
was to learn that only by putting his trust fully in Jehovah could he hope to triumph
over the powers of darkness that were plotting his ruin and the utter destruction of
his people.
The story of Hezekiah’s failure to prove true to his trust at the time of the visit
of the ambassadors 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?
Every day of life is freighted with responsibilities which we must bear. Every
day, our words and acts are making impressions upon those with whom we associate.
How great the need that we set a watch upon our lips and guard carefully our steps!
One reckless movement, one imprudent step, and the surging waves of some strong
temptation may sweep a soul into the downward path. We cannot gather up the
thoughts we have planted in human minds....
On the other hand, if by our example we aid others in the development of
good principles, we give them power to do good. In their turn they exert the same
beneficial influence over others. Thus hundreds and thousands are helped by our
unconscious influence. The true follower of Christ strengthens the good purposes
of all with whom he comes in contact. Before an unbelieving, sin-loving world he
reveals the power of God’s grace and the perfection of His character (
Prophets and
Kings, 347, 348
).
[286]
287