II Kings 18-20

An old minister once said, “The test of success is sometimes more dangerous than the test of adversity.” Chapter 18:1-8 tells of Hezekiah’s dedication to the Lord and the blessings he enjoyed (18:7). A life filled with faithfulness should have ended with optimism and celebration, but instead ended otherwise. Why?

Hezekiah became entitled. Informed of his coming death, Hezekiah “turned his face to the wall” and whined to God of how faithful Hezekiah had been. God healed him, but there was still no gratitude. When flattered, he showed the enemy his wealth as though he personally was responsible. And when he learned that the coming judgment would exclude him and just take his sons, he was satisfied. He passed the test of adversity, but failed the test of success.