2 Kings 18:1-12: A King Who Did It Right (Part 1)

"For he held fast to the LORD. He did not depart from following him, but kept the commandments that the LORD commanded Moses." 2 Kings 18:6

In the past chapters and even books of scripture that we have been going through, we have seen many failures of Israel's and Judah's kings. Although some of them were righteous, the majority of them were not, and even the righteous ones failed to do all that God had commanded of them. However, King Hezekiah was a different story. He loved the Lord with all of his heart, soul, mind, and strength, and did not depart from the Lord's ways. By looking at his story today and applying it to our own lives, let us find how we can truly be a faithful follower of God just as he was.

So, what did this righteous life of Hezekiah look like? Well, scripture is going to give us three key characteristics of Hezekiah's life. Firstly, Hezekiah trusted the Lord. This is often an easy summary of the Christian faith, but the amazing thing about Hezekiah is that he actually did it. He did not have a wavering trust in God; he simply trusted him. Secondly, Hezekiah held fast to the Lord. When times got tough, Hezekiah didn't give up, but "did not depart from following [the Lord]." He continued in the faith, even when times got rough. Lastly, Hezekiah kept God's commandments. In other words, he was obedient in all that he did. Although he certainly wasn't perfect (as no man in this world is), he maintained a constant life of obedience that enabled him to be a faithful follower of the Lord. And through Hezekiah's trust, steadfastness, and obedience, he was named the most righteous king of Judah (see 3 Kings 18:5).

However, what about this king's life can we apply to our own? Well, before we answer that question, let us answer this one: how does this king point to Christ? As I am learning in seminary, every text of scripture is primarily about Christ. We never have to wonder what the subject of the text is; it is always Christ. Jesus attests to this himself (see Luke 24 and John 5:39) and it can also be clearly seen in the sermons of the apostles in Acts. Thus, we must realize quickly how Jesus fulfilled the role of Judah's king even better than Hezekiah did. Although Hezekiah was a great model of a king, Jesus was the perfect model of a king, who did not waver from God's commands even one bit. In this way, Hezekiah points us to Christ, by giving us a great model of what it looks like to be a righteous king.

Now that we have that question answered, let us apply this scripture to our lives. Just like Hezekiah, and ultimately just like Jesus, we ought to trust in, hold fast to, and obey the Lord. Because of Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross and his power within us, we can now do that very thing. Although we will not do it perfectly like Jesus, there is always grace when we fail. However, that grace does not encourage us to give up, but rather to press on enduring to a God who is so good to us.

So, have you held fast to the Lord lately? Have you trusted in him? Have you obeyed his commands? Ultimately, all of these are rather simple, are they not? In one sense, they are the summary of the Christian walk. Therefore, they are all very important. I encourage you today: Look to Hezekiah, and look ultimately to Jesus, who both gave us great examples of obedience and trust in the Lord. Imitate their faith, and walk in their paths, as the grace of Jesus guides and empowers you to do so. Amen.