“But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem. Notwithstanding 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”
What a blessing to know that past sin, though horrible and proud, can be redeemed, even from earthly afflictions. Hezekiah was proud after God healed him, and that’s horrible, that we’d vaunt ourselves by mercy received! Yet God, because He loves us, will not allow our pride to reign, so He afflicts us, shows His displeasure, and threatens chastisement and pain. He will humble the pride, and when it is humbled, when the sinner repents and the saint returns, the Lord is gracious to say, “I’ve seen your prayer, I’ve heard your voice” (Is 38:5).
This GRACE in God is our hope, because trusting in the character of God makes us sleep in peace, knowing that He is GRACIOUS, forgives sin, and pities the humble. If we’d kept in our way, He would have brought His threatened wrath on us, and the pain would be sure, even as God chastens kings to teach us His fear. Yet, He awakened us, and we obey His calling, fleeing from self-righteousness and self-service, form pride of knowledge into good works. We seek the glory of Christ, now, and He is not ashamed to show Himself merciful, causing the affliction to come to the next generation, rather than upon us, delaying it, so long as humble hearts abide (2 Kings 20:18-19).
I think it is good that we hope in God for YESTER YEAR’S sins. They are painful and repercussions fill the mind: how will this afflict me later, how will He pay me back? It is good to be obedient and hopeful that He paid you in Christ. He’s given your repentance now, and His honor is your mission.
The fear of the Lord is in Hezekiah now, whereas before, though saved, he walked in pride. Now, God gets all glory, the people are nothing, and the Lord’s mercy rules the day, rather than man’s pride. There is Light brighter than humans praising themselves for God‘s works; it is the Light of the Giver of life, the lover of men, the sanctifier of His church, and the character of God unveiled!
Jesus is our Master, and we will live for Him in repentance and faith, seeking His honor in places of past failure, living that people know He is great, and giving ourselves to God in the gospel. This RESPONSE of “Thank you, Lord“, is the reasonable response of His church:
1. It is pleasing to you and me to obey God, more than to anger Him by sin.
2. God’s glory is safe. We don’t want wrath, and it is right to honor God. He deserves the praise, because He forgives the depraved and vile. “He is worthy” is the song in heaven and now (Rev 5:12).
The gospel is hopeful, not slavishly fearful. Don’t be afraid. Believe the debt is paid and you’re on mercy now, obeying, repenting continually, and being freshly reminded that He is great. He forgives, He is in control of your future, and the hand of God is the best hand for tomorrow.
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