Hezekiah

Narrator: Chris Genthree
Duration: 2min
 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 8
“The heart is deceitful above all things. ... Who can know it? I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings” (Jer. 17:9-109The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 10I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. (Jeremiah 17:9‑10)). Hezekiah is a wonderful example of faith and faithfulness to the Lord, a man who followed the Lord wholeheartedly. Our God of all grace responded to Hezekiah’s prayers of need and wonderfully delivered him from the enemies of God’s people. At times his life was a positive influence on the lives of many others. And in following the Lord and depending upon Him he prospered. But he and we have our hearts searched out by the Lord. David wisely said to the Lord, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts” (Psa. 139:2323Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: (Psalm 139:23)). Hezekiah and David provide a contrast for us to learn from. When the Lord prospered David, he took what was given to him and dedicated it to the Lord for the building of the Lord’s temple. By contrast, Hezekiah, when prospered in wealth and glory, was lifted up in pride of what he called “his precious things.” May we remember, as we trace out Hezekiah’s life, that how we respond to the grace of God will affect not only our own lives but the lives of others. He prospered, but in the righteous ways of God many were negatively affected by how he responded to God’s grace to him.