The Temple: A Study in 2 Chronicles预览

What does it say?

Hezekiah repented of pride after the Lord miraculously answered his prayer to save his life from a serious illness. God tested Hezekiah’s heart after he had succeeded at much.

What does it mean?

Even though Hezekiah ruled over Judah as a godly king, he struggled with pride. After all, his wealth required great storehouses. Also, the Lord had given him a miraculous sign that his life would be extended 15 years after his life-threatening illness (2 Kings 20). It was evident to all that Hezekiah was blessed and protected by his God. But the Lord withdrew His Spirit from Hezekiah when he displayed to envoys from Babylon all the treasures of his storehouses, revealing a foolish and prideful heart. Hezekiah came face-to-face with the reality of who he was without the Lord’s wisdom and guidance.

How should I respond?

Your Achilles heel may not be pride, as Hezekiah’s was, but we each deal with some kind of sin issue that tends to bubble to the surface repeatedly. Without the guidance and conviction of the Holy Spirit, that sin could subtly take control – even while you are successfully serving the Lord. So how can you protect yourself from yourself? First, recognize the issue, and call it what it is – sin. Then, submit your heart and mind to the Holy Spirit daily, asking God to convict you when you’re out of step with Him and respond in forgiveness. Finally, seek a trusted friend or mentor to hold you accountable. Give them the prerogative to regularly speak the gospel truth into your life and rebuke your sinfulness if necessary.