“In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. Isaiah the prophet came and said to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover…”’ Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord… The word of the Lord came..: ‘I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. I will heal you... I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria… for my own sake and for my servant David’s sake.’ And Isaiah said, ‘Bring a cake of figs. And let them take and lay it on the boil, that he may recover…’
“At that time Merodach-baladan, king of Babylon, sent envoys with letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been sick. Hezekiah welcomed them, and showed them all his treasure house, the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, his armory, all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his house or in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them. Then Isaiah the prophet came to King Hezekiah, and said, ‘What did these men say? And from where did they come?’ And Hezekiah said, ‘They have come from Babylon.’ He said, “What have they seen in your house?’ And Hezekiah answered, ‘They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing in my storehouses that I did not show them.’
“Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, ‘Hear the word of the Lord: Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left.’” 2 Kings 20:1-2,4-7,12-17
King Hezekiah had faithfully and effectively led Judah to follow God, establishing his kingdom through prayer and in His name for over a decade. But some glint of self-importance sparked after the Lord graciously healed him from an otherwise fatal illness. Pride at being so favored? Fear of losing everything had he died? Suddenly pesky pigeons of arrogance nested in his esteem of God to overtake everything entrusted to him. When he pompously exposed the treasures of his kingdom to the enemy, the enemy took the lust-bait. And in judgment, the riches he’d treasured would soon be his treasures no more. (2 Kings 18:1-8; 19:14-19; 20:1-5)
Where is my treasure? In my transient kingdom here on earth where moth and rust destroy, or in eternal heaven? What occupies my interest, time, and mental energy proves my treasure, and where it settles, so does my heart allegiance, my delight, and my desire. (Matthew 6:19-21)
What might happen if the treasures we valued and introduced to others were the treasures of Heaven? What if instead of parading achievements or possessions we displayed Jesus? How vibrantly do His peace and joy adorn our demeanor and conversation? How are we demonstrating the beauties of His grace and security of His salvation so to make them attractive? What needs to change so that Christ in us appeals to others as their hope of glory? (Colossians 1:27; 1 Peter 3:1-4)
Father, may I so treasure You that others do too.
As the rain and snow 