Daily Devotional

“In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live”’” (2 Kings 20:1). 

Most people know that Bill Gates is consistently the wealthiest per- son on our planet, but did you know that Spanish fashion executive Amancio Ortega Gaona took the top spot on the billionaires list in October 2015? However, his financial dominance lasted only a few hours! 

We don’t know how rich King Hezekiah was at the peak of his reign, but we know he had enormous wealth. But all the riches on earth couldn’t help him when he contracted a fatal illness. 

Broken-hearted by Isaiah’s dark announcement, Hezekiah cried out to the Lord for help. Before Isaiah even left the premises, he was sent back to tell the king that God had heard his cry and would add 15 years to his life. Overflowing with gratitude, Hezekiah composed a beautiful, eloquent prayer of praise. 

Having heard that Hezekiah was sick, the Babylonian king sent letters and a gift for him. Hezekiah received the messengers cordially and took them through his palace and private storehouses and showed them all his treasures. 

After they had left, Isaiah confronted Hezekiah and asked what he had shown the visitors from Babylon. The king explained he had shown them all his prized possessions. 

Isaiah then shared a message from the Lord: “Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and what your fathers have accumulated until this day, shall be carried to Babylon; nothing shall be left. … And they shall take away some of your sons who will descend from you … and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon” (2 Kings 20:17, 18). 

Hezekiah repented but, sadly, not only did his proud show of wealth create a security risk for the future, but he missed a wonderful opportunity to share the truth about God with these heathen men. 

What opportunities will you have today to share the truth about Jesus? Will you be ready? 

Loving Saviour, keep me alert and ready to share Your truth and love with those around me.