gripped by goodness.

 The aroma is spilling through the house, and i can bet you that if I told my family they could eat any of the bread that just came out of the oven it would be gone in a heartbeat. There is something about fresh bread that beckons people to belly up to the table and eat.

i hope God's word is that for you. fresh and sweet smelling. i know my time time spent with Hezikiah has been rich and life-giving. He truly was "holding fast to God," except, well, when he wasn't, and that's today's topic.

No sooner had Hezikiah gotten well, when folks from Babylon showed up to congratulate him and shower him with presents. So, being a great host, 

"Hezekiah welcomed them, and he 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." 2 kings 20:13

um, yah. i really have no comment on what Hezikiah did with his visitors and well wishers, except to tell you what his friend, Isaiah said. (yes, THEE Isaiah.. you know the one..) 

Then Isaiah the prophet came to King Hezekiah, and said to him, “What did these men say? And from where did they come to you?” And Hezekiah said, “They have come from a far country, from Babylon.” 2 kings 20:14

did you notice that our sweet Hezekiah left out the answer to the first question that Isaiah asked? hmmmm makes me wonder what he's hiding.

Eventually, Hezikiah comes clean and the story continues with Isaiah and a word from 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, says the LORD. And some of your own sons, who shall be born to you, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.” 2 kings 20:17-18

And to Hezikiah's credit, he repented of his pride of showing off his "stuff" and called the words that Isaiah gave him from God, good.  

Good. 


i don't know about you but when i'm called out on a sin, especially pride, my first thought is not  "God's words are good."  maybe they should be. yah, i'm sure they should be. God is good. 


God gave Hezikiah 15 more years on earth to walk, to make a difference, to praise Him, but the consequence of his pride was deeply felt, for in that 15 years Hezikiah had a son.

Manasseh was his name... and he was far from good.