“However, regarding the ambassadors of the princes of Babylon, whom they sent to him to inquire about the wonder that was done in the land, God withdrew from him , in order to test him, that he might know all that was in his heart.”
2 Chronicles 32:31
Hezekiah was a good king whom God blessed. However, all the blessings of God became a source of pride and God sent Babylonian ambassadors to test him. Hezekiah showed the ambassadors the wealth of the kingdom and the treasures of his house because pride had entered his heart. He failed the test. Then through Isaiah the prophet God spoke a word of judgment that one day all these treasures would be carried away.
It almost seems a bit harsh for God to judge the pride of Hezekiah is such a way. But be warned, God will test his leaders. He will bless them and watch them. His intent is not that they should fail but that they should set the example and be men who will always give thanks to God and never point to their own accomplishments. The very thing that Hezekiah prided himself in was the very thing God would one day take away.
All the blessings and all the success we enjoy should be recognized to be the blessing of God. When we begin to take pride in our stride as if somehow we have accomplished these things for ourselves without humbly recognizing the Lord who gave us the wisdom, the strength, the power, the gifting and ability to do it, we set ourselves up for a great fall. When God blesses you give Him glory and by all means don’t go bragging about it. Should the clay pot take glory for what the potter has formed? No! Without the potter choosing the clay, working it, and forming it, there is no pot, no shape, no artistry, no beauty—just a lump of earthen clay. The pot has absolutely no place to brag for what it has become.
Make no mistake. He who has been blessed by God will be tested and without warning. This is what it means when the Scripture says “God withdrew”. It means He brought the test, stood back, and observed. He did not warn Hezekiah that he would be tested, for the Lord wanted to see what was really in his heart. Would he give thanks and glory to God, or would he take pride for all he had accomplished?
A truly thankful man cannot be a proud man. When men sing your praises what is your response? Do you give thanks and glory to God? Take a moment and give thanks to God, and when men praise your accomplishments be sure to give God the glory.
