The events surrounding Hezekiah's sickness were shocking. Instead of an imminent death, he was granted an additional fifteen years of life (Is 38:5). The aftershock of this shock was the way the Lord proved to Hezekiah that he would be healed within three days. God made the sun go backward as a sign of Hezekiah's healing (Is 38:8).
However, this aftershock was still not the greatest shock. The "real shocker" was the fact that Hezekiah's heart did not change after being healed of terminal illness by Isaiah and seeing the awesome miracle of the retreating sun. Hezekiah remained just as selfish as ever. When Isaiah prophesied that the chosen people would be crushed by Babylon and led off into exile, Hezekiah "thought, 'There will be peace and security in my lifetime'" (Is 39:8). It's like saying: "I don't care what happens to you as long as it doesn't happen to me."
What prophets, healings, and miracles couldn't do, Jesus, the Prophet, Healer, Miracle-Worker, Savior, Lord, and God did accomplish. By His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for us to become new creations and receive new hearts (see Ez 36:26). This is the ultimate shock and the ultimate reality.
| PRAYER: | Father, may my response to Your healings and miracles be a holy fear of You (see Acts 2:43). |
| PROMISE: | "Those live whom the Lord protects...You have given me health and life." –Is 38:16 |
| PRAISE: | St. Camillus, even though suffering from various diseases himself, never quit tending the needs of others. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College