BE CAREFUL

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2 Kings 20:12-13,16-18

Soon after this, Merodach-baladan son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent Hezekiah his best wishes and a gift, for he had heard that Hezekiah had been very sick.

Hezekiah received the Babylonian envoys and showed them everything in his treasure-houses—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the aromatic oils. He also took them to see his armory and showed them everything in his royal treasuries! There was nothing in his palace or kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them.

Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Listen to this message from the Lord:

The time is coming when everything in your palace—all the treasures stored up by your ancestors until now—will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord.

Some of your very own sons will  taken away into exile. They will become eunuchs who will serve in the palace of Babylon’s king.”


We could get carried away sometimes, especially when everything seems to be peaceful. We may become careless and let our guard down.


Hezekiah got a "get well" greeting from the king of Babylon, there was nothing wrong with that. 


The king however sent an envoy to see him and king Hezekiah went ahead to show them all the treasures of Judah.


What was the problem here? Babylon was going about conquering and colonizing nations. 


So the seeming innocent friendly gesture of king Hezekiah, could as well be seen as playing into the hands of their future captor.


Remember, why we study the records of the old testament:


2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.


So let us look at one selfish attitude of Hezekiah that we should not emulate:


2 Kings 20:17-19

The time is coming when everything in your palace—all the treasures stored up by your ancestors until now—will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord.

Some of your very own sons will be taken away into exile. They will become eunuchs who will serve in the palace of Babylon’s king.”

Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “This message you have given me from the Lord is good.” For the king was thinking, “At least there will be peace and security during my lifetime.”


He wasn't bothered about the prophesy against Judah because it would not happen in his lifetime.


I wonder if it was because his son's didn't follow his good ways.


However, in general, Hezekiah lived a life faithful to God, that we should emulate.


As believers, we learn to walk wisely, and that is why the Holy Spirit helps us.


Glory to God.


PRAYER

Loving Father, keep me faithful to You in all things. May I not err out of excitement, carelessness or challenges. I will finish well. Glory to Your name Lord forevermore.


He calls us blessed.


Love

@the watcher.

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