Up to this point, the story is wonderful. Who doesn’t like to have one’s prayers answered? Who wouldn’t be happy to know that the Lord was extending his life span?

But what I want to demonstrate through this message is that although we receive answers and blessings from God, we run the risk of not complying with His wishes, and disappointing the Lord. In this case, Hezekiah, after receiving two great blessings from God (he was delivered from the King of Assyria and received 15 more years of life), committed two great errors that taint his story. These two mistakes were so serious that I ask myself: “Wouldn’t it have been better if he had died?”

This question is just for reflection, because I believe that God granted him 15 more years of life, expecting that he would use them well. He also expects us to seize each and every moment of our lives, and always do the best we can.

So let’s see what these mistakes were that he committed after he was healed:

1) The King of Babylon sent messengers to Hezekiah, taking him gifts. Hezekiah invited them in, and without suspecting they were spies, showed them everything there was in his palace and in the House of the Lord. The prophet Isaiah reprimanded him severely for his lack of vigilance and revealed to him how Babylon would invade them in the near future. Attention!!! Just like Hezekiah received those messengers, the Devil also sends us his messengers. Watch out! Don’t expose yourself! Don’t confess defeat; don’t express sorrow, don’t go around telling your problems and complaints to everyone you see. Assume an air of confidence, showing that you believe in the victory!

2) The prophet told him that the king of Babylon would be attacking the nation, but assured him that it would happen only after his death. King Hezekiah immediately relaxed because he knew that it was not a problem he would have to deal with during his lifetime. That was his second mistake. He was complacent and not the slightest concerned about the work of God. Instead of praying and preparing the nation and the heir to the throne to seek God, he showed no concern and the result can be seen in chapter 21. Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king (Manasseh was the son of Hezekiah who was born after the Lord gave him 15 more years of life). This son of Hezekiah wasn’t educated according to the laws of God and when we read about him in verses 2 to 9 we see that he did what was evil in the eyes of God and led the entire nation to sin.

When we do not speak the truth, when we fail to correct or warn others, we are falling into the same sin of Hezekiah. Remember, let God use you. Seize every opportunity to sow the seed of God’s Word, because tomorrow it may well make a difference in the lives of those who receive it. Unlike Hezekiah, make good use of the days that God gives you.

“So teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalms 90.12