If Today Were The Last Day

But Hezekiah did not repay according to the favor shown him, for his heart was lifted up; therefore wrath was looming over him and over Judah and Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 32:25.

Hezekiah was healed of his illness. God demonstrated His power and patience by giving a sign that awoke the curiosity of the inhabitants of Babylon.

This was the perfect opportunity for Hezekiah to speak to this nation about who the true God was. But, unfortunately, that was not what he did. Human nature once again overcame in spite of what God had done for him.

What did the king do?

And Hezekiah was attentive to them, and showed them all the house of his treasures—the silver and gold, the spices and precious ointment, and all his armory—all that was found among his treasures. There was nothing in his house or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them. 2 Kings 20:13.

Obviously, Hezekiah did not consider the consequences of his actions. Instead of serving as an ambassador of God, he aroused the greed and love of earthly things in these men of Babylon.

But pride and vanity took possession of Hezekiah's heart, and in self-exaltation he laid open to covetous eyes the treasures with which God had enriched His people…Not to glorify God did he do this, but to exalt himself in the eyes of the foreign princes. He did not stop to consider that these men were representatives of a powerful nation that had not the fear nor the love of God in their hearts, and that it was imprudent to make them his confidants concerning the temporal riches of the nation.*

Instead of serving as an aid, King Hezekiah served as tempter to these men. Without the fear of God, what would stop them from attacking  and taking possession of all these treasures they had seen?

Then Isaiah the prophet went to King Hezekiah, and said to him, “What did these men say, and from where did they come to you?” So Hezekiah said, “They came from a far country, from Babylon.” And he said, “What have they seen in your house?” So Hezekiah answered, “They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shown them.” Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of 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,’ says the LORD. ‘And they shall take away some of your sons who will descend from you, whom you will beget; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.’” 2 Kings 20:14-18.

It is as if he had allowed a thief to see the contents of the safe. Seeing large and valuable treasures, these men would simply employ more effort to obtain them.

How disastrous the results which were to follow! To Isaiah it was revealed that the returning ambassadors were carrying with them a report of the riches they had seen, and that the king of Babylon and his counselors would plan to enrich their own country with the treasures of Jerusalem. Hezekiah had grievously sinned; "therefore there was wrath upon him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem." *

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 allthat was in his heart. 2 Chronicles 32:31.

The visit of the ambassadors to Hezekiah was a test of his gratitude and devotion…Had Hezekiah improved the opportunity given him to bear witness to the power, the goodness, the compassion, of the God of Israel, the report of the ambassadors would have been as light piercing darkness. But he magnified himself above the Lord of hosts.*

Him who crying, prayed to God to extend his life, now sought forgiveness of his terrible sin. Sin for which many would suffer.

Then Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, 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 32:26.

It might seem unfair for Hezekiah’s mistake to bring suffering to future generations. But this world is more complex and sin is much more encompassing, so the actions of this man simply started a chain of events.
This is what we must understand!

Every day of life is freighted with responsibilities which we must bear. Every day, our words and acts are making impressions upon those with whom we associate. How great the need that we set a watch upon our lips and guard carefully our steps! One reckless movement, one imprudent step, and the surging waves of some strong temptation may sweep a soul into the downward path. We cannot gather up the thoughts we have planted in human minds. If they have been evil, we may have set in motion a train of circumstances, a tide of evil, which we are powerless to stay. *

Insignificant things can have great impact in the lives of others. Ideas become implanted and cannot later be removed. But they can also be a great blessing.

On the other hand, if by our example we aid others in the development of good principles, we give them power to do good. In their turn they exert the same beneficial influence over others. Thus hundreds and thousands are helped by our unconscious influence. The true follower of Christ strengthens the good purposes of all with whom he comes in contact. Before an unbelieving, sin-loving world he reveals the power of God's grace and the perfection of His character.*

I conclude with this thought. Something we should meditate each day. Tomorrow may be too late.

Those with whom we associate day by day need our help, our guidance. They may be in such a condition of mind that a word spoken in season will be as a nail in a sure place. Tomorrow some of these souls may be where we can never reach them again. What is our influence over these fellow travelers? *

JESUS IS COMING, AMEN, YES, COME LORD JESUS!

* Prophets And Kings' 29. The Ambassadors From Babylon ", Ellen G. White