Proud Heart and Repentance
2 Chronicles 32:24-26
24 In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. He prayed to the LORD, who answered him and gave him a miraculous sign. 25 But Hezekiah's heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the LORD's wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem. 26 Then Hezekiah repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the LORD's wrath did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah.
I'm including two hearts here. . .well, one heart, one proud heart belonging to Hezekiah. I'm in awe at the story of this king. It's a big, bold, colorful story of a charismatic son of Judah. It goes on for several chapters, and the book of 2 Kings may have still more detail. It gives, for example, his prayer when he thought he was going to die. This version only recounts briefly the journey of his heart.
I feel guilty at the statement that Hezekiah did not respond to the kindness shown him. How often has this been me? When my kids drive off, I beg God to take care of them, but I am less consistent about thanking him when I hear they arrived safely. Am I putting myself in line for wrath with my prideful heart? How different would my life be if I could always be aware of God's kindness?
24 In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. He prayed to the LORD, who answered him and gave him a miraculous sign. 25 But Hezekiah's heart was proud and he did not respond to the kindness shown him; therefore the LORD's wrath was on him and on Judah and Jerusalem. 26 Then Hezekiah repented of the pride of his heart, as did the people of Jerusalem; therefore the LORD's wrath did not come upon them during the days of Hezekiah.
I'm including two hearts here. . .well, one heart, one proud heart belonging to Hezekiah. I'm in awe at the story of this king. It's a big, bold, colorful story of a charismatic son of Judah. It goes on for several chapters, and the book of 2 Kings may have still more detail. It gives, for example, his prayer when he thought he was going to die. This version only recounts briefly the journey of his heart.
I feel guilty at the statement that Hezekiah did not respond to the kindness shown him. How often has this been me? When my kids drive off, I beg God to take care of them, but I am less consistent about thanking him when I hear they arrived safely. Am I putting myself in line for wrath with my prideful heart? How different would my life be if I could always be aware of God's kindness?
posted by ruthees @ 1:16 PM
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