READING: 2 Chronicles 32-33, John 18:19-40
“Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart.”
2 Chronicles 32:26
It’s striking how men and women with hearts most focused on God can still struggle. King Hezekiah of Judah was a good king – one who trusted the Lord even when powerful Sennacherib of Assyria invaded Judah. Hezekiah was convinced of God’s care, and his words inspired confidence in the people of God: “With him [Sennacherib] is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles” (2 Chron. 32:8). In response to the prayers of Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah, God then sent an angel to defeat the Assyrian forces.
The writer of Chronicles, though, then briefly – and without much detail – refers to Hezekiah’s sickness and healing recorded more fully in 2 Kings 20. God worked a miracle for the king that extended his life, but Hezekiah then arrogantly bragged to Babylonian envoys about his possessions. His heart grew proud, bringing on God’s wrath – though God graciously spared Jerusalem during the king’s lifetime after he “humbled himself for the pride of his heart” (2 Chron. 32:26). Hezekiah was a good king, but that truth did not preclude him from making sinful choices. Pride was always lurking, even for the righteous ruler.
All of us, regardless of our experience, training, or age, are susceptible to the arrows of the enemy. We’re vulnerable to pride, especially when our “success” has resulted in power to rule, a position to magnify, and stuff to show off. Pride is such a snake that it worms its way into our lives before we know it’s happening. God is no less opposed to it, however, and our only proper response is to humble ourselves before Him.
ACTION STEPS:
- Ask God to show you any pride issues in your life.
- Humble yourself before Him.
PRAYER: “God, I can be a prideful person. Please forgive me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Chronicles 34-36, John 19:1-22
