Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
2 Chronicles 32:24-26 – Praying through the Bible #140 – A Prayer Responding to Not Responding
So you think you are something, a big shot, someone special? Now, you would never vocalize that out loud, you’re too “humble;” and never even think you think that…at least not consciously. Nonetheless, facts are facts. Pride can manifest itself in many ways: blowhard boasting, walking with an arrogant air, or looking down with disdain upon others. But these are too distasteful, too glaring for someone proudly humble; for someone self-conscious and conscious of God. Satan’s pride can be sneaky. So instead of showing off, you show nothing. You never show or say, “Thank You, God!”
In “those days” Hezekiah’s illness happens (2 Chron.32.24). The king prays and God’s healing answer includes protection from Assyria (2 Kings 20.6), suggesting the illness happens during the siege. The inspired recorder writes, “…so he prayed to the LORD, and He spoke to him and gave him a miraculous sign. However, because his heart was proud, Hezekiah didn’t respond according to the benefit that had come to him” (32.24-25). Hezekiah’s response is nothing; a non-response. He doesn’t say “God, thank You!”
In “those days” we see Hezekiah’s pride resulting from the recovery. Apparently he starts thinking, “I am something, a big shot, and someone special; I must be because the God of all power healed ME.” Much like this great king, the Jews often became arrogant of their elected place. Christians too can become arrogant against the lost. For an “us versus them” mentality, just think of the Pharisee versus Tax Collector in Jesus’ parable (Luke 18.9-14). As incongruous as it might seem, we can even slip into the thought how lucky God is to have us. After all, we make God look good!
God’s response to Hezekiah’s non-response is, “So there was wrath on him, Judah, and Jerusalem” (2 Chron.32:25). Would God allow the Assyrians to conquer Judah because of just one man’s sin? First, the king represented the nation. Blessings often flowed to the nation because of the righteousness of one man. Jesus is our Benefactor and King (Rom.5.15). Second, the nation was already unpunished for its many sins, many times. “But, hadn’t Judah repented?” Yes, but again, does repentance earn us the right not to be punished? No. There is no power in repentance. Mercy is a gift. “Then Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart – he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem – so the LORD’s wrath didn’t come on them during Hezekiah’s lifetime” (32.26).
How easy is it to ask for blessings, and then go on our way too busy or feeling too special to say “Thank you, God!?” Not being grateful is a symptom of pride and being spoiled. How much are we like that unappreciative child who gets a gift but never says, “Thank you?!” Such children are irritating. Do we irritate God? Respond to God. Take time to glorify in prayer with gratitude and praise. Only God is Someone Special.
Prayer Challenge: Remembering to be grateful is important to God and to our own attitude. Find a way to remember to praise God in prayer for answered prayers.
Comments