The ‘Hezekiah’ Syndrome

 The ‘Hezekiah’ Syndrome

Sunday, October 17, 2021

Hezekiah, reigning during the later years of Judah’s existence before Babylonian captivity, was one of the good kings, mostly. We would do well to follow several of Hezzie’s actions, especially earlier in life. But later, after God’s staggering deliverance from the hoard of Assyrian soldiers camped just outside the walls of Jerusalem; and after God delivered him from imminent death, a death certified by the word of the prophet until God over-ruled - Hezekiah made a serious mistake. It betrays an even more sinful attitude.

The Babylonians came to visit. You know, just one of those nice, neighborly visits from 500 miles away. Hezekiah thought they wanted to be friends. Isaiah, the prophet, knew that they were checking out where he hid the good silverware.

Isaiah asked what the visit was about. Hezekiah told him how wonderful it was. They even brought him a gift, you know, for getting better from his illness. Isaiah responded with, not a warning, but a prophecy. They’re coming back, and it’s all going to be carried away to Babylon - the riches, the people. Your own sons will be slaves of the Babylonian king.

And then this, what I call the ‘Hezekiah’ Syndrome: “Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, ‘The word of the LORD that you have spoken is good.’ For he thought, ‘There will be peace and security in my days.’” (Isaiah 39:8). 

It goes like this: people will suffer and die, but I’m going to be just fine. And we see that attitude in our own day. Many people died in the pandemic, but I’m fine, so no worries. Lots of people lost their jobs or were side-lined, but I actually came out ahead, so it’s good. Churches and ministries have closed, but if I can listen to a cheery sermon and have a good cup of coffee, we’re good. Millions of people around the world are dead in their sins and headed to a Christ-less eternity, but I’m saved, so nothing to worry about.

It’s a bad thing to have a selfish king, or a self-centered parent. Both are addressed in Isaiah’s prophecy. Nations and children will suffer and die, but ‘so what?’ so long as I am able to die in peace and comfort. And, we are kings - over our own lives, and we fall into the ‘Hezekiah’ syndrome when we live only for ourselves.

King Jesus did no such thing. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (Jn 10:11 ESV)

 “and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.” (2 Corinthians 5:15 NAS95)