2 Kings 18:37

REFLECTIONS

THERE are many improving observations which arise out of this chapter. In the first place, I would call upon the Reader to remark with me, that though Hezekiah is said to have been the best of all the kings of Judah, yet Hezekiah was not without his afflictions. We see in the very midst of attempting the reformation of the people, and the abolishing of idols, the Lord permits an idolatrous prince not only to come against him, but for a time to succeed. Reader! it is so, it must he so, in the life of grace. Faith must be exercised, that it may be more precious than gold that perisheth, Jesus saith, as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Lord! I would say in answer, spare not thy rebukes, nor suffer thy child to be spoiled for want of the rod, when thy wisdom seeth it necessary. But oh thou, most blessed Lord, give me the penetrating eye to discover, under all the frowns of thy providence, the sweet smiles of thy love. And let my faith be always alive, in full exercise, to be looking forward to that happy period, when thy child shall leave the school of learning, to rest in thy bosom in the full enjoyment of the knowledge and perfect love of thee, forever.

I would learn, in the next place, from the trial of good king Hezekiah, that, as this world is not the believer's home, so his security from trial is never over, until he arrives safe at his Father's house. My soul, was it not a precious mercy in the Lord, to take off Hezekiah's mind from all confidence in creatures, when he was thus feelingly taught to put no confidence in princes? Poor Hezekiah thought to buy the friendship of the king of Assyria with a present, and therefore sent him the silver and the gold which he had for this purpose. It is very true the children of God consider, or ought to consider, gold, silver, and precious stones, as objects of no value; and would gladly part with them, if this would make carnal men less angry. But, the Lord will not allow any temporizing. How often would my soul have purchased peace with the wicked at almost any rate, if I might enjoy Jesus unmolested! But this is the believers motto: If any will live godly in Christ Jesus he shall suffer persecution. This should wave in the standard of the Christian in his holy war. Dearest, blessed Jesus! hast thou said; in the world ye shall have tribulation? And hath my foolish heart, in order to stand fair with the world, sought a shelter from it? Oh! my Lord, henceforth let the world frown, so thou but smile: let the Rab-shakehs of the present hour utter their reproaches, and pour forth all their contempt, so thou but grant me that unspeakable blessing: In me ye shall have peace. By faith in thee I shall overcome the world; and from confidence in thee I shall rejoice; and my joy no man take from me.

In the last place, Reader, let you and I learn from this interesting chapter, to hold our peace, and in our patience to possess our souls, when for a moment the ungodly seem to triumph. It is but a seeming triumph, and like the crackling of thorns under the pot. Yes! blessed Jesus! my soul would wait at thy footstool in silence, and in patient waiting would I be found. I know there is One at the mercy-seat, whom the Father heareth alway. There I rest my ground of acceptance only in Jesus. He will plead my cause, and bring me forth in the path of righteousness, for his name's sake. Oh! the relief my soul feels, even in the waiting. Heavenly Lord thou hast fulfilled, thou wilt fulfil that promise: He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might, he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint, and the young men shall utterly fall. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.