I Refuse To Be Like My Father! - King Hezekiah

Along The Way:  King Hezekiah - A Different Path

(Written by Kevin A. Hall     07.04.17)

To be or not to be like my father – That is the question Hezekiah must have asked himself many times. His father was King Ahaz, one of the most evil kings of Judah. Hezekiah must have been aware that his father sacrificed his brother to a heathen god. His father made sacrifices and burnt offering in high places “on the hills and under every green tree” (2 Kings 16:4). His father introduced pagan customs and made major changes to the house of God for his personal benefit. 

Under his father, “Judah’s religious system became shambles” (Nasb). His father was also weak; so was the high priest (Urijah) during his reign (2 Kings 16:16). The nation followed his father’s lead.

At some point, Hezekiah chose not to follow his earthy father’s example, but to embrace his heavenly father as his model for living. We too, can choose our own path. Hezekiah did not have the privilege of the indwelling Spirit, but he chose to follow God. We have God’s Spirit as guide if we submit.  

Pride Will Ruin Your Life! - King Uzziah

Along The Way: Pride Will Ruin Your Life!

 (Written By Kevin A. Hall   07.03.17)

“He was marvelously helped until he became strong”!

Imagine this statement being written on our tombstone. We ran well until… This story is repeated over and over in the human experience without fail, but should not be the story of our lives as children of God.   This statement was made of King Uzziah:

 He did right in the sight of the Lord according to all that his father Amaziah had done. He continued to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding through the vision of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God prospered him (2 Chronicles. 26:15).

 He was 16 when he began to reign with his father King Amaziah, taking full control after his father’s death. His great dedication to God included a deep respect for and partnership with the prophet Zechariah. As long as he remained connected to God and His servant, he was blessed. There's an abiding principle here regarding one's relationship to the church.

Like Uzziah, believers can hold on to God’s promise – “I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). We are blessed if we endure. However, blessings should never be defined by things or accomplishments. Uzziah was blessed but missed the mark – he became strong or very proud and corrupt. He achieved prosperity, influence, power, wealth and fame.