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I Quit - It's Your Turn!

Hezekiah replied. For he thought, “Will there not be peace and security in my lifetime?” 2 Kings 20:19

Do you ever feel like quitting?  Maybe it’s your boss, your company, or the circumstances in life?   For some, all it takes is looking at the headlines of their daily newspapers and the seeds of despair take root. 

Terrorism, the threat of nuclear warfare, violence on our streets, the drug epidemic, and the decline of the traditional family causes some to want to throw in the towel.  Then there are those who have reached their personal and financial goals in life and wonder if that is enough. 

It is refreshing to see how some are now seeking to live a life of significance.  These people seek God’s plan for their lives and live to honor God with their work, play, and worship.  They are contributing to the next generation by building a rich heritage.

In 1 Kings and 2 Kings we have the record of God’s judgment against Solomon. "Since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates." 1 Kings 11:11.  A little later in the Chapter we read of God’s intention to create a divided north and establish a headquarters in the place called Samaria.

In the over 200 years of the northern kingdom’s existence not one of the 19 monarchs was godly.  And in the more than 340 years of the southern kingdom’s existence, only eight rulers walked with God, some of those inconsistently.  As chapter 18 in 2 Kings begins, there was an era of hope as the reformer King Hezekiah comes on the scene.  Under his 29-year reign Israel prospered.  The king did what was right in the eyes of the Lord (18:5). 

Despite his own upbringing with an ungodly father, King Hezekiah took a different road and lived a life of significance.  However, late in his reign he became critically ill.  The prophet Isaiah delivered the news, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.” 2 Kings 20:1  But Hezekiah fervently prayed and the Lord responded by giving him more time, "Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, “Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him: “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord." 2 Kings 20:2-5

But King Hezekiah didn’t use the extension of his life wisely.  He allowed himself to become complacent and hung around with the wrong people.  The by-product of his complacency was an attitude of surrender – of giving up.  King Hezekiah basically said – I Quit! Let the future generations worry about themselves.  The prophet Isaiah’s warned him that he would lose everything if he didn’t repent and take heed.  But Hezekiah believed as long as he had peace and security (the easy life for him) it was okay.  “The word of the Lord you have spoken is good,” Hezekiah replied. For he thought, “Will there not be peace and security in my lifetime?” 2 Kings 20:19

Despite the fact that he was going to lose all he worked so hard for and that his kids were going to be emasculated (made eunuchs) it was okay because he would be comfortable.  King Hezekiah quit!  He forgot to fight the good fight for the next generation.  He forgot about building a legacy and didn’t worry about the future of his family and country.

My friends, let’s fight the good fight and make sure we leave future generations with a positive legacy.  Let’s not give up or give into those who wish to destroy our faith, values, and traditions.  Let us not lose sight of the rich biblical heritage this great country was founded upon.

The Apostle Paul reminds us, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do well to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:10   I’m not ready to quit.  At times I’ll get frustrated, confused, and even disappointed but I hope that I’ll never quit. 

Blessings and have a great week.  Jim Grassi