Video Ministries

Hezekiah Humbled Himself

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. 2 Chron. 32:26.

Filled with remorse, "Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart."
. . . But the evil seed had been sown and in time was to spring up and yield
a harvest of desolation and woe. During his remaining years the king of
Judah was to have much prosperity because of his steadfast purpose to redeem
the past and to bring honor to the name of the God whom he served; yet his
faith was to be severely tried, and he was to learn that only by putting his
trust fully in Jehovah could he hope to triumph over the powers of darkness
that were plotting his ruin and the utter destruction of his people.

The story of Hezekiah's failure to prove true to his trust at the time of
the visit of the ambassadors is fraught with an important lesson for all.
Far more than we do, we need to speak of the precious chapters in our
experience, of the mercy and loving-kindness of God, of the matchless depths
of the Saviour's love. When mind and heart are filled with the love of God,
it will not be difficult to impart that which enters into the spiritual
life. Great thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth,
unselfish purposes, yearnings for piety and holiness, will find expression
in words that reveal the character of the heart treasure.

Those with whom we associate day by day need our help, our guidance. They
may be in such a condition of mind that a word spoken in season will be as a
nail in a sure place. Tomorrow some of these souls may be where we can never
reach them again. What is our influence over these fellow travelers?

Every day of life is freighted with responsibilities which we must bear.
Every day, our words and acts are making impressions upon those with whom we
associate. How great the need that we set a watch upon our lips and guard
carefully our steps! One reckless movement, one imprudent step, and the
surging waves of some strong temptation may sweep a soul into the downward
path. We cannot gather up the thoughts we have planted in human minds. . . .

On the other hand, if by our example we aid others in the development of
good principles, we give them power to do good. In their turn they exert the
same beneficial influence over others. Thus hundreds and thousands are
helped by our unconscious influence. The true follower of Christ strengthens
the good purposes of all with whom he comes in contact. Before an
unbelieving, sin-loving world he reveals the power of God's grace and the
perfection of His character (Prophets and Kings, pp. 347, 348).

>From Lift Him Up - Page 285

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