Ragnarök and the Last Days ∙

Ragnarök and the Last Days ∙

Unless the Lord shortens that time of calamity, not a single person will survive. But for the sake of his chosen ones he has shortened those days. – Mark 13:20

Luke 21:7-26

 7 “Teacher when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?”

 8 He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them.”

 9 “And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.”

 10 Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation and kingdom against kingdom.”

 11 “There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many parts of the world, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.”

 25 “And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth, the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides.”

 26 “People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken.”

Ragnarök is a Norwegian fantasy drama streaming television series reimagining Norse mythology developed for Netflix. It is a take on the seeming Existential Threat of climate change. It takes place in the current day, in the fictional Norwegian town of Edda in Hordaland, Western Norway. Edda is plagued by climate change, causing melting glaciers and industrial pollution from local factories.

According to Norse myth, Ragnarök is the end of the world of gods and men – Ragnarök means “Doom of the Gods” in Old Norse. It was said that Ragnarök would be preceded by cruel winters and moral chaos, after which giants and demons would come from everywhere to attack and kill the gods.

In the myth, Thor, the Norse god of thunder, appears to save the day. He is good and righteous and the protector of humanity. Using his enchanted hammer, Mjolnir, he defeats the World Serpent, ending Ragnarök. This, in turn, leads to the world’s rebirth and restoration and a new beginning for humankind. Only a god could save the planet.

Ragnarök is an end-times scenario not too far afield from what is going on, on planet Earth, sans the Norse gods and legendary creatures.

Throughout the Old and New Testaments, the Father has predicted an overall outline of the last day scenario through His prophets and apostles and the Lord Jesus Christ. He provided a great deal of detail in a few areas as well.

In the synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, His disciples asked three questions: When will these things be? What will be the sign of your coming? What will signal the close of the age? The Lord Jesus Christ speaks of the soon-coming destruction of Jerusalem and the distant events leading up to the Second Coming. His warnings are similar but more elaborate than those of Norse mythology. But more significantly, they are eerily consistent with current day events.

Of course, for centuries, students of the Scriptures have jumped to the conclusion that the prophecies of Matthew 24, Luke 21, and Mark 13 are coming true during their lifetimes. Clearly, they were mistaken.

REFLECT & PRAY

The day of the Lord will be a “thief-like,” unwelcome surprise for the world. People who live in the dark will suddenly be surprised by the light.

Father thank You that all children of the King are children of the light. Enable us to walk in the light as You are in the light and cleanse us from all sin (1 John 1:7).

INSIGHT

How are children of the King to know when the last days have begun? The Lord Jesus Christ was crystal clear regarding this. On the one hand, no one on earth will know the day or the hour.

Matthew 24:36 However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.

But on the other hand, when we see these things happening, we know that the return of Lord Jesus Christ is near.

Matthew 24:33 When you see all these things recognize that He is near, right at the door.

Consequently, children of the King are to be on the alert and always waiting for the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth. How then should we live?

Matthew 24:42-44

 42 So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.

 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

Matthew 25:13 So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.

1 Thessalonians 5:2-8

 2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.

 3 When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.

 4 But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief.

 5 For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night.

 6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.

 8 But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.

1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.

“Like the other apostles, Peter believed the return of Jesus Christ was imminent (i.e., it could occur at any moment; cf. James 5:8; Romans 13:11; Hebrews 9:26; 1 John 2:18). This fact should have made a practical difference in the way his readers lived. Eschatology has ethical implications. They were to remain clear-headed (‘of sound judgment’), self-controlled (‘of sober spirit’) primarily so they could pray properly.”

“This statement illustrates the importance of prayer. Prayer is the most noble and necessary ministry that God entrusts to His children, but it is also the most neglected ministry (cf. Hebrews 4:15–16). Jesus’ praying in the Garden of Gethsemane may have impressed this truth on Peter (cf. Matthew 26:40–41). Jesus prayed when the end of His life was near” (Constable).

“. . . proper prayer is not an ‘opiate’ or escape, but rather a function of clear vision and a seeking of even clearer vision from God. It is only through clear communication with headquarters that a soldier can effectively stand guard” (Davids).

Luke 7:35 Wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.

1 Chronicles 12:32 From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.

These unique individuals had discernment regarding what the children of the King should do in their own day. The Father gave people intellectual ability so they might discern His will and how they should act. Could it be that some children of the King are like the sons of Issachar? What about you?

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© Dr. H 2022

A delightful way to live ∙

A delightful way to live ∙

Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. – Psalms 119:35

Psalms 119:33-48

 33 Teach me your decrees, O LORD; I will keep them to the end.

 34 Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.

 35 Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.

 36 Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money!

 37 Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.

 38 Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you.

 39 Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good.

 40 I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.

 41 LORD, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me.

 42 Then I can answer those who taunt me, for I trust in your word.

 43 Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for your regulations are my only hope.

 44 I will keep on obeying your instructions forever and ever.

 45 I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.

 47 How I delight in your commands! How I love them!

 48 I honor and love your commands. I meditate on your decrees.

Giving gifts to others is a simple endeavor that is as old as humanity. Gifts are given without expecting payment or anything in return. The best gifts have intrinsic meaning and value, which are not related to cost. For the recipient, gifts are meant to be free.

Gifts come in many forms: material items, acts of service, etc. They are intended to encourage and bring joy or satisfaction to the recipient. Often, simple acts of kindness or forgiveness go a long way.

The Father loves to give gifts to the children of the King. The Word of God is the Father’s magnificent gift to the world. The Scriptures provide encouragement, grace, understanding, and hope for the human race. The greatest gift is the incarnation and redemptive death of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalm 119 celebrates the Father’s gracious gift to mankind of His truth found in the Law of Moses, the Torah. The Torah contains the Father’s guidebook for life.

Of all of the Psalms, it is the longest, containing 175 verses. It is the longest chapter in the entire Bible. The amount of space given to it underscores its immense importance.

Every Child of the King should meditate upon, pray through, and sing (Psalm 119). When we set aside the time and make a definite choice to do so, we express our heartfelt gratitude and admiration to the Father for His great gift.

The simple act of praising Him through prayer and song stirs up a genuine yearning to reflect the goodness and loveliness expressed. It encourages us to become like Him and to do what He does.

As we learn and follow His instructions, we avoid self-destructive attitudes, choices, and actions and their consequences. Instead of the law restricting us, it sets us free to live and enjoy life as the Father intended. We experience forgiveness and the release from guilt and pain that often torments us.

What a delightful way to live!

REFLECT & PRAY

“People with renewed hearts delight to obey God and learn from his Word, which guides them” (ESV Study Bible). When we fall in love with the Father, obedience and service flow freely from our hearts.

Father please soften my wounded and hardened heart so that I might fall deeper and deeper in love with You. May I truly become a Theophilus, a lover of God.

INSIGHT

Most of us know what it feels like to love someone else deeply and be loved deeply. Psalms 119 shows how it is possible to do just that with the Father. Imagine what it would be like to be “in love” with the Father and His Word. Indeed this is precisely what the Father desires for each of His children.

The writer of the Psalm remains anonymous, but he shows us the way. He cries out in prayer to the Father, teach me and give me insight (Psalms 119:33-34). His desire to understand is earnest and intense. But his ultimate goal is not merely to understand but, more importantly, to live out what he knows wholeheartedly. He seeks undivided devotion to the Father via a deep love relationship.

“We must come to understand the character of God and the workings of His providence (Psalms 27:11; Psalms 86:11; Psalms 103:7). Just as children come to understand the character of their parents and what pleases them, so we must get to know God better and discern His desires. We have a complete revelation of the Lord and His will in the Scriptures, but we need inner illumination to discover what it means to our own lives” (Wiersbe).

What blocks the king’s children from being more in love with the Father and having undivided devotion to Him?

The psalmist identifies two among many possible impediments.

Psalms 119:36-37

 36 Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money!

 37 Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word.

The Hebrew word translated as gain, selfish gain, profit, and love for money is betsa. Betsa originally was a technical term used by weavers to designate the action of cutting a piece of cloth free from the loom after it had been woven (TWOT). But over time, it took on a more sinister meaning. Rather than the mere desire to obtain profit or gain, it focused on the motivations driving it, often impure or greedy hearts. Thus, the impediment is not gain in and of itself but rather ill-gotten gain resulting from greed or avarice. In modern times, we might speak of money laundering, skimming off the top, or cheating.

The Hebrew word translated worthless things; vanity is shav. Shav refers to things that have no eternal value. They are temporal and earthbound. They are like grass and flowers, here today, gone tomorrow.

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the Word of our God stands forever.

“Outlook determines outcome. Abraham looked for the heavenly city and ended well; Lot looked at Sodom and ended badly (Genesis 13; Hebrews 11:8-16). What the heart loves and desires, the eyes will see (Psalms 101:2-6; Numbers 15:37-41; Jeremiah 22:17). To have one eye on the world and the other on the Word is to be double-minded, and God does not bless double-minded people (James 1:5-8)” (Wiersbe).

“Left to ourselves, we often don’t know which way leads to life and which way ends in death; we remain in the dark. But God’s Word provides us with a searchlight to cut through the darkness and lead us to safety” (Stanley). 

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© Dr. H 2022

Iconic glory ∙

Iconic glory ∙

Who is the King of glory? – Psalms 24:8

Psalms 24:7-10

 7 Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter.

 8 Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty; the LORD, invincible in battle.

 9 Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter.

 10 Who is the King of glory? The LORD of Heaven’s Armies– he is the King of glory.

The “Miracle on Ice” occurred at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, on February 22. The Soviet Union had won the gold medal in five of the six previous Winter Olympic Games and was favored to win again. Many of the players on the Soviet team were experienced, professionals. By contrast, the United States team was the youngest in the tournament and U.S. national team history.

Despite the seemingly impossible challenges, the US team won. The victory became one of the most iconic moments of the Games and U.S. sports. The television call of the game’s final seconds by Al Michaels for ABC was equally well-known, in which he declared: “Do you believe in miracles? YES!” In 1999, Sports Illustrated named the “Miracle on Ice” the top sports moment of the 20th century.

In the Scriptures, contact transfers uncleanness from one object or person to another, not so with holiness. Things are declared holy and set aside for the Lord’s purposes by His spoken word or by His immediate presence.

Exodus 3:5 “Do not come any closer,” the LORD warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground.

The Father God alone is majestic, iconic holiness. He is unique, and there is none like Him. He is the King of glory.

Psalm 24 recalls and celebrates the Father’s iconic glory. David conquered and took possession of the backwater city of Jebus, a Jebusite citadel. It became known as the city of David (1 Chronicles 11:5-7).

It may well be that Psalm 24 was written by David in association with his arrival with the ark of the covenant at Jerusalem. The ark is the place where The Father’s presence dwelt on earth during the days of the kings of Israel.

When David arrived with the ark, the presence of the Lord entered the city. And Jerusalem was forever consecrated, holy, and set aside for the Lord’s purposes. Jerusalem, the city of David, was transformed into Jerusalem, the city of the Lord.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father dwells in unmatched magnificence and glory and deserves our highest honor and commitment.

Father sadly, I only get momentary glimpses of Your beautiful and delightful glory. Draw me closer that I may dwell in Your presence.

INSIGHT

Psalms 24:1 The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains the world, and those who dwell in it.

The living God made the heavens, the earth, and all other created things, which are His personal possessions.

It is incumbent upon each individual and each generation to seek the Father and to find Him. As children of the King seek to enter into and dwell in His presence, He welcomes us. We are honored to experience the profound pleasure of His lovingkindness.

But Psalm 24 is not about us; it is all about Him. It echoes with shouts of joy and acclamation that He is the King of glory! Reflect on what this means. To be the King of glory means that the highest honor belongs to Him alone. There is none higher to whom we owe allegiance.

Hebrews 6:13 When God made the promise to Abraham since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name,

The Lord is not only glorious; He is the King of glory. He is the greatest in glory, the pinnacle of excellence, the mountaintop of majesty, the summit of splendor. He is the eternally blessed God (Romans 9:5) (Stanley).

Psalms 24:8-10

 8 Who is the King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, The LORD mighty in battle.

 9 Lift up your heads, O gates, and lift them, O ancient doors, That the King of glory may come in!

 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, He is the King of glory.

This celebration is marked by a loud rhetorical chant and reciprocal response. David exclaims that the King of glory is the Lord Almighty, Creator, Sustainer, and King of all. He sings in awestruck wonder. David proclaims that although the Father is above all, He is also welcoming and intimately accessible. All children of the King are invited to enter His presence. The King of glory is knowable in our human experience. We can know Him, be empowered by Him, and trust Him to fight on our behalf.

How do we experience and live out the reality of the presence of our warrior king?

When the Lord Jesus Christ entered our hearts, He made it possible for every child of the King to actualize His presence. As we surrender control and allow our King to reign within our hearts, we experience His pleasure.

“This Psalm is accomplished in us when Jesus enters our hearts as our King to reign, and it will have its full realization when the earth and its population welcome Him as its Lord” (F. B. Meyer).

Who is the Lord? What is He like as a person? What are His nature and character? He is revealed in Psalm 24 as strong and mighty in battle, the Lord of hosts, and the King of glory.

Yahweh is the Lord of hosts. He is sovereign over all His creation. The Hebrew word tsaba, translated as hosts (hosts does not mean much to the average Bible reader), has been transliterated into English and other languages as Sabaoth. The Hebrew word tsaba refers to a vast multitude, an army, troops, etc. It is frequently translated as almighty, all-powerful, supreme. The expression may be translated as the Lord who is the strongest of all, the Lord who has more power than anyone(UBS), or The LORD of Heaven’s Armies (NLT).

Close your eyes and imagine our Father as a divine warrior king. He is omnipotent and unconquerable. As such, He has the power to deliver from calamity and chaos to all those who seek Him (Jacobson and Tanner).

Nevertheless, this all-powerful, unconquerable King is approachable. He is our Abba Father. He beckons every child of the King to come to Him.

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  

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© Dr. H 2022

Vigilant flexibility ∙

Vigilant flexibility ∙

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise. – Ephesians 5:15

Ephesians 5:15-19

 15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.

 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

 18 Don’t be drunk with wine because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,

 19 singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.

In June 2020, America entered a difficult new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The remainder of 2020 warranted flexibility and tolerance, trying different ways to adapt to new evidence. In a country with such fractured politics, this was no small challenge.

That challenge was a function of a complicated public-health picture combined with contradictory public attitudes. Even as economic activity resumed, COVID-19 cases rose in many locations. This was not a second wave. Instead, it was a series of spikes of the first surge. In the following months, some States would see infections rise while others fell. The trick would be to manage the constant risk of COVID-19 while restarting normal life.

Instead of a “binary choice” between lockdowns and total freedom, this phase called for “vigilant flexibility,” as states and cities adapted to shifting circumstances. Public officials should strongly encourage masks and distancing as the economy tentatively reopens, and when hotspots arise, they should track the origins and “be ready to curtail specific activities.” We “need to focus on building public confidence” and instilling “the patience to get through what could be a hard fall and winter” (Scott Gottlieb and Yuval Levin June 14, 2020, WSJ).

How should the children of the King live in uncertain times when seen and unseen hazards and difficulties abound? As children of the King, we have a special responsibility. It requires a delicate balance. We are to stand firm upon the foundation of the Truth that we have received and yet be caring, affable, and flexible. We should be willing to modify our words and reactions.

Proverbs 27:12 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

Vigilant flexibility is what is needed! The apostle Paul told the Father’s children how to live wisely. Walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. – Ephesians 5:15-16

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father has set the bar high for each of His children. But He is also made it possible to attain and realize His standards through the work of the Holy Spirit within us.

Father teach us to walk circumspectly and exercise diligent flexibility in the perilous times in which we live. Encourage us to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

INSIGHT

The Greek word translated as carefully, circumspectly is akribos. Akribos has a sense of exactness or thoroughness. When it comes to ethical decisions and behavior, it is often translated diligently, perfectly, circumspectly, or accurately. In other words, “pay close attention to how you behave” (UBS).

Consider how a cat can walk on top of a very thin narrow fence without falling. They are careful where they place each paw as they navigate their way. They walk circumspectly.

How do we live wisely?

Be filled with the Holy Spirit.

At a minimum, the Holy Spirit can be understood as a positive influence and a supernatural power source. He becomes our guide and companion as we navigate our way through life’s choices. The Holy Spirit is just the power source we need to be able to live wisely and walk circumspectly. He provides direction and the ability to accomplish what the Father sets before us.

The Greek verb translated as filled, be full is pleroo. Pleroo means to fill completely, to make full. In this context, it has the sense of being controlled or under the influence. It is contrasted to being intoxicated with alcoholic beverages.

Being filled has to do with control or influence. We take on the characteristics of what controls us. “In other words, the one who is filled is characterized by that which fills him, whether it be fruits of unrighteousness or righteousness (Phil 1:11)” (Hoehner).

In the Greek language, the verb is a command.  In simple English, it is a command, not a suggestion. The Father requires us to be filled continuously. Thus it could be accurately translated, “Be constantly, moment by moment, being controlled by the spirit” (Wuest).

The results of being full of the Holy Spirit continuously have a dramatic and wonderful effect. “Being drunk with wine leads to dissipation but being filled by the Spirit leads to joy in fellowship and obedience to the commands of the Lord’s will . . .” (Hoehner).

As we learn to live being filled or under the direction and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, our wisdom grows, and our life choices improve.

Philippians 1:27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ . . . standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.

“So, what Paul is saying is: ‘You and I know full well the privileges and the responsibilities of being a Roman citizen. You know full well how even in Philippi, so many miles from Rome, you must still live and act as a Roman does. Well then, remember that you have an even higher duty than that. Wherever you are, you must live as befits a citizen of the kingdom of God.’”

“What does Paul expect from them? He expects them to stand fast. The world is full of Christians on the retreat, who, when things become difficult, play down their Christianity. True Christians stand fast, and unashamed in any company. He expects unity; they are to be bound together in one spirit.”

“Let the world quarrel; Christians must be united. He expects a certain unconquerability. Often, evil seems invincible; but Christians must never abandon hope or give up the struggle. He expects a cool, calm courage. In times of crisis, others may be nervous and afraid; Christians will still be serene, in control of themselves and of the situation” (Barclay).

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© Dr. H 2022

There are consequences

There are consequences

Don’t be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others – ignoring God! – harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life. – Galatians 6:7-8 (The Message)

Isaiah 38:1-5

 1 About that time, Hezekiah became deathly ill, and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to visit him. He gave the king this message: This is what the LORD says: “Set your affairs in order, for you are going to die. You will not recover from this illness.”

 2 When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD,

 3 “Remember, O LORD, how I have always been faithful to you and have served you single-mindedly, always doing what pleases you.” Then he broke down and wept bitterly.

 4 Then this message came to Isaiah from the LORD:

 5 “Go back to Hezekiah and tell him, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of your ancestor David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will add fifteen years to your life.’”

The story is about an 18-year-old named Brad living in Dallas, Texas, in 1991. He had stolen the keys to his father’s Mercedes and was out joyriding. He was speeding on Singleton Boulevard headed West as he approached N Westmoreland Rd. The light turned red. He decided to run the light, and when he got into the intersection, he was immediately struck by an 18-wheeler. The Mercedes was picked up and thrown 28 feet in the air. It then rolled over and over another 72 feet before coming to a halt. The car was nearly a total wreck. Brad was alive, but his left leg was broken. The firemen had to use the jaws of life to extract him. He was rushed to the emergency room.

The doctors were able to stabilize and set his leg. But he had to remain in the hospital in traction for several weeks. He had to use crutches for months as his leg healed when he was released.                    

His poor decisions resulted in a terrible accident. Brad could’ve lost his life. As it turned out, he walked with a limp for the rest of his life. Eventually, his illegal act of running the light was resolved. Sadly, the consequence of the accident, his broken leg, was never completely healed.

REFLECT & PRAY

Job 4:8 My experience shows that those who plant trouble and cultivate evil will harvest the same.

Father thank You that You hear when children of the King pray. As You answer our prayers, help us to make wise decisions.

INSIGHT

Hezekiah was the best of the kings of Judah, the southern kingdom. His reputation was excellent.

2 Kings 18:5 Hezekiah trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel. There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before or after his time.

Around 700 BC, life was good for Hezekiah. But suddenly, things took a turn for the worst. Hezekiah became terminally ill. The Father sent His servant, the prophet Isaiah to disclose what would happen. The message was short, blunt, and terrifying. “Set your affairs in order, for you are going to die. You will not recover from this illness” (Isaiah 38:1).

Hezekiah was panic-stricken. He turned to the Father in prayer. Weeping bitterly, he reminded the Father of his faithfulness to Him.

But ponder for a moment. Hadn’t the Father just told Hezekiah that he was going to die? Therefore Hezekiah’s death was the Father’s will for his life. But at that moment, Hezekiah was not concerned about the will of God. He was only concerned about himself. I imagine there was a bit of begging, pleading, and bargaining that was not recorded for us.

Remarkably, the Father sent Isaiah again with a revised message. Change in plans! “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will add fifteen years to your life” (Isaiah 38:5).

If we were there, we would have been shouting, “Praise the Lord!”

I identify with Hezekiah. If I were in his situation, I would probably react similarly to the news of my impending death. What about you?

The Father was magnanimous and turned back the clock of Hezekiah’s life. When children of the King are given second chances, what do we do with the gracious opportunities He provides? How we respond reveals what is in our hearts. Hezekiah’s near-death experience and remarkable recovery did not bode well for him. Hezekiah changed for the worst.

2 Chronicles 32:25 But Hezekiah did not respond appropriately to the kindness shown him, and he became proud.

What did Hezekiah do with the privilege of his added years?

The word of Hezekiah’s illness and remarkable recovery because of the Father’s intervention spread far and wide. Nations around Judah had planned to send representatives to pay their last respects at a funeral. But now, they sent them to celebrate the extension of Hezekiah’s life.

Envoys came from as far away as Babylon. Merodach-balagan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters of congratulations to Hezekiah.

Previously, Hezekiah had successfully stood firm against the intimidation of the Assyrians. When Hezekiah received a threatening letter from Sennacherib, the ruler of the Assyrians, hand carried by his representative, Rabshakeh, Hezekiah took her to the temple and laid it out before the Lord in prayer (Isaiah 37). Sadly, Hezekiah could not resist the flattery of the Babylonians brought by Merodach-balagan. Rather than lay out the letter in the temple before the Lord, he showed no caution whatsoever.

Instead, Hezekiah was delighted. He caved. And his brain went into neutral. Undoubtedly, he was puffed up from all the attention he received. He was beaming with self-importance and pride. He welcomed them with open arms and showed off all that he had. There was nothing in his house or all of his realm that he did not make available to his Babylonian guests.

Hezekiah 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 (Isaiah 39:2).

It never occurred to Hezekiah for a second to ask the Father how to react to the adulation of his visitors. This was a tragic, deadly mistake. Babylon was no friend of the Jewish people. No doubt, the Babylonians were taking inventory of all the booty that would soon be theirs. On top of that, surely they were taking notes regarding Jerusalem’s fortifications, strengths, and weaknesses.

What happens next is predictable. The Father sent Isaiah, the prophet, to confront Hezekiah. Isaiah the prophet came to King Hezekiah and said, “What did those men want? Where were they from?” Hezekiah replied, “They came from the distant land of Babylon” (Isaiah 39:3)

I can only imagine the expression on Isaiah’s blazing crimson, furious, indignant face. Isaiah proclaimed the Father’s message of judgment with burning, penetrating eyes,  

Isaiah 39:5-7

 5 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Listen to this message from the LORD of Heaven’s Armies:

 6 ‘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.

 7 ‘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.’”

It’s never a good idea to reveal to your enemy the best way to defeat you and the spoils and wealth that they will acquire when they do.

Hezekiah’s self-serving prayer was graciously answered. The Father gave Hezekiah what he wanted. But collateral damage was horrific. There were nightmarish consequences

“We should thank God regularly that He doesn’t answer many of our prayers. When the Israelites demanded meat in the desert, God gave them what they asked for – but the request ended up killing thousands of them” (Stanley).

Be careful what you pray for! Be careful who you trust; the devil was once an angel.

Galatians 6:7-8

 7 Don’t be misled – you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.

 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will reap everlasting life from the Spirit.

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© Dr. H 2022