Intro: There’s a character in the Bible with whom I have often tracked. His name is Hezekiah. In Isaiah 38, Scripture records that Hezekiah fell ill, deathly ill. And he did what many of us do when our health takes a turn for the worse: he called out to the Lord for mercy and restoration. That is a natural reaction. This was Hezekiah’s prayer to the Lord:

“Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. (Isaiah 38:3, ESV)

But it is so tempting to read that and think that’s the whole story. It isn’t. Yes, Hezekiah was often a good and noble ruler. But there were also times when Hezekiah very much missed the mark of God’s standard. For example, we read in 2 Chronicles 32:25 this indictment:

But Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud. Therefore wrath came upon him and Judah and Jerusalem. But Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah. (2 Chronicles 32:25-26, ESV)

Takeaway & Encouragement: Maybe I’m the only one, but have you ever met folks whose sense of their own importance rubbed you the wrong way? Sure, we all have. But if we are honest, we all could use more humility. God has so much to say in Scripture about how pride is a killer.

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2, ESV).

“One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor” (Proverbs 19:23, ESV).

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18, ESV).

I think Hezekiah is given the sections of Scripture he’s given to teach, among other things, that our best days and ministries are accomplished when we are humble before the Lord and humble before people. God both raises people and brings them low, and part of His reasoning for doing so is to demonstrate our need of humility in service. The Army Values term it “selfless service.” That concept did not originate with the Army but with God.