Isaiah 39:1-8

Finishing well is a very hard thing to do.  Hezekiah was one of Judah’s best kings.  He tore down idols, called out to the Lord in times of trouble and worshiped God in times of deliverance; but he did not finish well.  His legacy would have been far greater had he died instead of living the extra fifteen years.  No matter how old we are and no matter how many victories God grants in our lives, it only takes one failure to mar a reputation and scar ones legacy.  God calls us to lean on Him for our direction and to honor Him in all circumstances of our lives from the start to the finish.  Starting well is normal, finish well is supernatural.

HEZEKIAH FALLS INTO ARROGANCE: When Hezekiah recovers from his illness he receives a delegation from the land of Babylon that supposedly came to congratulate him on his recovery.  The reality is they were more than likely coming to spy out the land.  Hezekiah is so relieved by his prolonged life and his victory over the Assyrians that he takes great pleasure in showing off all the wealth of the temple, his palace and the land.  Instead of lifting up the Lord before these foreign dignitaries he lifts himself up and becomes arrogant.  The most dangerous times we face in life are immediately following a great success.  We seem to handle trials and tribulations far better than we handle prosperity and peace.  It is vital to remember to look to the Lord in times of difficulty.


HEZEKIAH FALLS INTO APATHY: Isaiah confronts Hezekiah on what he had done and reveals to him the Word of the Lord.  The consequence of Hezekiah’s pride would result in Babylon taking Judah and all of the wealth he had shown as plunder.  Babylon would succeed where Assyria failed.  Isaiah tells Hezekiah of the impending doom his sons would face when taken captive and being turned into eunuchs.  Perhaps the greatest demonstration of Hezekiah’s downfall is his apathetic response to this news.  Instead of tearing his cloths and begging for God’s forgiveness and mercy he simply says the news is good because he would have peace in his day.  Arrogance and self-centeredness will almost always lead us into apathy. 

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