In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death... And the word of the LORD came to Isaiah, saying, "Go and tell Hezekiah, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years."
Isaiah 38:4-5 (NKJV)
But Hezekiah did not repay according to the favor shown him, for his heart was lifted up... Then Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart. ~ 2 Chronicles 32:25-26 (NKJV)
"When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, commits iniquity, and dies in it, it is because of the iniquity which he has done that he dies. Again, when a wicked man turns away from the wickedness which he committed, and does what is lawful and right, he preserves himself alive." ~ Ezekiel 18:26-27 (NKJV)
King Saul, Absalom, and Judas Iscariot are examples of those who returned favor with betrayal and came to a bitter end. King David, King Hezekiah, and Peter are examples of transgressors who repented and received forgiveness, then went on to repay according to the favor shown.
The Lord is more interested in where we are than where we have been. When we have tasted eternal life—the greatest favor available through the blood of Jesus Christ, the holy Son of God Almighty—we cannot simply declare the favor as accepted and walk away to live for Self.
To repay according to the favor shown is not a work to show we are "good," but the response of a grateful heart. And while we cannot give God as much as He has given, we can take the time to pray when leisures beckon, we can forgive offenses far less than ours against God, and we can love the neighbor who is the image of our God, even when he or she is less than lovable.
Oh Lord our God, You have given us all things necessary to life and love, joy and peace. Please open our eyes to the many opportunities to show favor as You have shown us favor, to forgive as we’ve received forgiveness, and to love as You have loved us.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
I love you my friend.
ReplyDeleteI loved the part of this post when you said the Lord is more interested in where we are more than where we have been...so true! And I, for one, am grateful!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you!