Finishing Well

As I continued reading 2 Kings this morning, I was thankful for the positive examples of Hezekiah, one of the few kings that “did what was right in the eyes of the LORD” according to 18:2.  Around 700 years earlier God sent venomous snakes while His people were in the wilderness, but had instructed Moses to fashion a bronze snake placing it upon a pole to protect His people from death if bitten.  They were protected from the venom by simply looking at the bronze replica (Numbers 21:8).  Over the years that life-saver became an idol that the Israelites were worshiping, rather than worshipping their God who provided the protection.  (2 Kings 18:4)  As Hezekiah proceeded to break up and tear down all worship centers other than those to the True God, he also smashed the snake, one of their idols.  As he proceeded to remove other idols, we read that “there was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him.  He held fast to the LORD and did not stop following him…And the LORD was with him; he was successful.”  As he was nearing death, he cried out to the Lord for additional years, and the Lord graciously gave him 15 more.  (20:6)   As we continue to read about his life, it appears that a measure of pride may have crept in as I read about the Babylon group that he took on “tour” to see all he had amassed in his storehouses.  (20:12-13)  When Isaiah reported that the Lord would eventually remove everything, (20:16) it appears that Hezekiah did not repent but thought with his limited years, he would not be dealing with it in his lifetime.  Not finishing as well as he could and should have!

I find Hezekiah’s life both a good reminder for me to watch what I may be making into an idol, and to keep my primary focus on the one who literally gave His life for me, Jesus Christ.  Evaluating the use of my remaining days, that they might be in obedience to his Word and the leading of His Holy Spirit.  That may sound easy, but it is a constant challenge for me to avoid the many pitfalls of not finishing well.

I am still working on balancing my medications to avoid nasty side effects, but definitely making good progress.  Thanks for your continued prayers and concern.

Love to all,

Chuck