Wrath withheld?

In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death, and he prayed to the Lord, and he answered him and gave him a sign. 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 32:24–26)

This portion of history I would like to see repeated. This attitude of a leader being blessed by God but not responding with humility happens, and pride of heart is making mockery of what God has done. Will the wrath of the Lord happen these days? Or will God treat today’s pride-filled leaders with mercy and test them with continued success? He did that with Hezekiah.

And Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made for himself treasuries for silver, for gold, for precious stones, for spices, for shields, and for all kinds of costly vessels; storehouses also for the yield of grain, wine, and oil; and stalls for all kinds of cattle, and sheepfolds. He likewise provided cities for himself, and flocks and herds in abundance, for God had given him very great possessions. This same Hezekiah closed the upper outlet of the waters of Gihon and directed them down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works. And so in the matter of the envoys of the princes of Babylon, who had been sent to him to inquire about the sign that had been done in the land, God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart. (2 Chronicles 32:27–31)

It seems the world is slowly falling apart. For some time, the damages are “out there” and far from us, yet they creep closer. A news item this morning shows me I do not live in a safe little corner. 

Example: A local gas station did damage to several automobiles by filling their customer’s tanks with half gasoline, half water. Deliberate or accidental is not known but it made me feel as if I found a dead mouse in my cereal box.

Hezekiah reminds me that the people of God have a huge responsibility to obey God. Our actions, or lack thereof, affect the world we live in. A half-holy life might keep individuals from seeing the consequences, but the next generation may suffer because of God’s wrath on the sin of this generation.

Hezekiah’s son Manasseh reigned next, started out well, then led the people astray. He finally repented but his son took his place and. . . .   

Amon was twenty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned two years in Jerusalem. And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, as Manasseh his father had done. Amon sacrificed to all the images that Manasseh his father had made, and served them. And he did not humble himself before the Lord, as Manasseh his father had humbled himself, but this Amon incurred guilt more and more. And his servants conspired against him and put him to death in his house. But the people of the land struck down all those who had conspired against King Amon. And the people of the land made Josiah his son king in his place. (2 Chronicles 33:21–25)

The conflict and sorrow caused by those who served in a half and half way affected many. The word therefore fails to fully describe the results, especially on the masses who lived under their leadership. 

Jesus, You know all things. Your goodness can be experienced even when those who rule politically waffle from mocking evil to being evil. Do we have any idea what true justice would do to the populations who suffer? Are You using the evils in this world to bring some to their knees before You? Trust without seeing Your plan is challenging many. Keep my focus on You and on the promises of what You are and what You will do to make all the world bow before You.