2 Chronicles 32:25 (ESV) — But Hezekiah did not make return according to the
benefit done to him, for his heart was proud. Therefore wrath came upon him and
Judah and Jerusalem.
2 Chronicles 32:27a (ESV) — And Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, …
2 Chronicles 32:31b (ESV) — … God left him to himself, in order to test him and to
know all that was in his heart.
NOTE: I could spend
a lot of time dissecting what happened to Hezekiah, but the issue boils down to
pride. When wealth and honor grows, it takes a very special person to not let
it go to his head. When we think we are smarter than everyone else, or richer,
or more respected, or more known--we fall into a dangerous trap. We begin to
have expectations of how we should be treated, and we might even treat others
differently. Riches, intelligence, acknowledgments are all traps and it takes a
special person to not let it go to his/her head. We need to constantly remind
ourselves of a lot of things, such as: there, but for the grace of God, go I
(I'm no different from the person who ruined their life through poor choices);
I was created by God like everyone else for his glory and service; I am loved
just the same as any other believer in Christ; I should treat and be treated
just like everyone else is treated; I should treat others BETTER than myself; I
should have no expectations; I should be content in my lot; I should give and
sacrifice for others especially if I have been give more. These are good things
to remind myself.
PRAYER: Father,
protect me from Hezekiah's error. May I truly live out Philippians 2:3–4 (ESV) — 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in
humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the
interests of others. Thank you for all that you have given. May I prove
a worthy son.
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