The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:11, “Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” As I read the stories of Biblical characters of yesteryear, I try to put myself in the place of the character. I try to sit back and imagine them in my mind. What did they look like? What were they really like? What motivated them? What frustrated them? What was it like to have the angel of the Lord or the Lord himself speak to them? What? What? What? Sometimes, I get up and move into the stances and movements of the character as I imagine them.
This helps me relate to their being, their doing, and not doing, their wise judgment and lack thereof. It has allowed me to be less judgmental and more understanding. I begin to question myself as I recognize my own personal bias. It’s like meeting a long, lost friend. It’s also like chatting with the character to get to know the why of their decisions.
In 2 Kings chapter 18 we find Hezekiah, king of Judah. He reigned as king over the southern kingdom of Judah for 29 years. He was 25 years old when he began. Hezekiah is described in the Bible as a king who had a close relationship with God. He was one who “did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.” 2 Chronicles 31:20
Perhaps, this is what we would expect to be said of Hezekiah. Interestingly, Hezekiah however, grew up in a home where his father, King Ahaz was anything but doing good and right and faithful to God. He was a wicked man. Hezekiah on the other hand, grew to love, and respect and honor God, even when all that he was taught and observed at home was quite the opposite.
I thought about this for quite some time. How courageous to live for God in an ungodly home. This fact alone encouraged me.
All have the opportunity to choose and seek God regardless of our culture, our upbringing, our peers, family and friends. And, because Hezekiah did what pleased God, he led the people of Judah in a spiritual renovation. He led them back to God that loved them. Hezekiah literally cleaned house. Judah was revived under Hezekiah’s reforms.
Hezekiah put God first in everything he did. And, as a result, God prospered him. Hezekiah obviously loved God, trusted Him, delighted in Him, committed himself to Him and also rested in Him. Hezekiah “held fast to the Lord and did not stop following him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook” 2 Kings 18:6–7.
I would have liked to have known him. I really believe there would be much I could have learned from him, one on one, and first hand. Maybe one day, I’ll have the opportunity to “chat” with him. What do you think?
ritasalomon 