Scripture verses that caught my attention today: Isaiah 39-7-8 Some of your own sons who are born to you shall be taken away; they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” 8 Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “There will be peace and security in my days.”
Observation: Hezekiah was considered a faithful king, but in this passage he sure seems to be thinking a lot more about himself than of his sons.
Application: In some ways Hezekiah is not that different from many of us—he does many good things, but at the end of the day he thinks mostly about himself. Today’s refrains are different yet still the same.
--As long as I have enough money to retire.
--As long as there is enough social security, medicare and all the rest for me.
--As long as you don’t expect me to pay more taxes.
--As long as the church is still around for my funeral.
--As long as I don’t have to deal with ‘it.’ (whatever “it” might happen to be)
--etc.
It’s hard to imagine Hezekiah not caring about the circumstances for his own kids, yet a fair number of people today feel as if, once they’ve raised them, the rest is up to them. Sometimes they don’t even talk.
Although the passage above doesn’t appear to be one of Hezekiah’s finer moments, the fact of the matter is that he was still valued by God—even in his moments of selfishness. Because of what God has done through Jesus, the same is true for us. And I’m mighty grateful for that because, well, I have my share of selfish moments too.
Prayer: Lord, we’d all be a sorry lot if not for you. Thanks for taking us in. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings today included: 2 Kings 20, Isaiah 38-39, Psalm 75, and 1 Peter 2)
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