I'm going to pause right there, because I'm still finding it hard to wrap my mind around that. Wasn't it just yesterday when they were small, begging me to take them to the park, or to the play place? It seems like now we're learning how to not overuse Axe body spray and what facial cleaner works best for acne.
Am I living in the twilight zone?
*Cue the music*
In a few short weeks, they'll both be heading off to camp for the first time, and it's like they're heading off to kindergarten all over again. Duffle bags? Check. Towels? Check. Clothes? Check. Toiletries? Check.
I'm excited for them...I really am. I remember looking forward to camp every summer, the new experience of being away from Mom and Dad, participating in team competitions, and making life changing decisions after hearing powerful sermons that spoke to my heart. I desire that for my own kids.
But I was reminded this last week in my Bible reading what I now need to guard against as my kids head into this new phase of their life: shortsightedness.
Kind Hezekiah in 2 Kings chapter 20 was very, very sick; and was advised by the Lord to set his house in order because he was going to die. This was certainly not what he wanted to hear, so he turned his face to the wall and prayed unto the Lord (vs.2)...essentially begging for more time. The Lord heard his prayer and granted him fifteen more years of life.
Now if I had been granted a fifteen year reprieve from death, I'd be all about making every moment count! Serving the Lord, spending time with family and friends...preparing the next generation to follow the Lord with their whole heart. Surprisingly, that's not what Hezekiah did.
During his fifteen years, he sired a son, Manasseh; who, after becoming king when his father died, did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, even following after the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel. (2 Kings 21:2) In other words, he was one very wicked king.
How could someone like Hezekiah, who touted himself as walking before the Lord in truth and with a perfect heart, having done that which was good in His sight, raise such a wicked son?
I believe he had a very shortsighted vision of his son's future.
Back before his son was even born, Hezekiah invited the King of Babylon to view all the precious things of his house: the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious ointment, the armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not. (2 Kings 20:13) In other words, he opened his home to the enemy, allowing them to scope out what they would be up against when they came to capture the land.
The prophet Isaiah, upon hearing all that Hezekiah had done, delivered the news that the days come, that all that is in thine house...shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left...And of thy sons that shall issue form thee...shall they take away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon. (2 Kings 20:19) After this pronouncement you would expect Hezekiah to once again turn his face to the wall and weep, begging the Lord for forgiveness and a stay from His judegment. Instead, he pronounces the Lord's word good and closes by stating: Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days? (2 Kings 20:19) Two verse later, he died.
Uh...that's it? That's all he had to say?
Seriously, I want to reach through the pages of my Bible and shake him by the shoulders! Hezekiah! I mentally yell. You're willing to settle for peace in your day? What about your children? Aren't you worried about what's going to happen to them? They'll have no inheritance, no life! They'll be carried off into a pagan land!
Apparently, having peace in his day was good enough for him. Is it any wonder that Manasseh turned out the way he did?
As a parent I don't want to have such a shortsighted vision. I want my God to be my children's God. I want them to have a deep and meaningful relationship with Him. I want them to know Him, to love Him, to follow Him, to serve Him. And I don't want to compromise for a little bit of peace in my day just so they can enjoy a little bit of the world here, and a little bit of the world there. Doing so will have devastating affects on not just my children, but my grandchildren, my great grandchildren, and my great-great grand children.
Looking back, it may have been better had Hezekiah just died when he was suppose to. Unfortunately he squandered the extra years, never passing his faith to his own family, and leaving behind a warning to never settle for peace in your day. Stay on guard, stay strong in your convictions and standards, don't give up or give in. It's just not worth the consequences.
Simply Looking Beyond,
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