Living Beyond Yourself

What would you do with extra years of life? Given exactly that, King Hezekiah spent them on himself—content as long as there was “peace in my days.”

“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).

Facing death, King Hezekiah “wept bitterly” (38:3). God heard his prayer and extended his life. But instead of being grateful or humble, Hezekiah used this time to indulge himself in personal pleasure and pride.

Angered, God warned that someday “all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left” (39:6). Even some of his offspring would be “taken away” (39:7). Sadly, this prophecy did not move Hezekiah.

Told in nearly identical terms in 2 Kings, the story goes on to describe “the rest of the deeds of Hezekiah” (2 Kings 20:20), while Isaiah’s account ends with Hezekiah’s lack of concern for God’s people, his own family, and future generations, selfishly saying, “There will be peace and security in my days.”

How easily we can allow self-centeredness to fill our lives! We can be unemotional when seeing others suffer from natural disasters, relieved to live in peace while others suffer from war and violence, unmoved by the hungry and needy, happy to have enough clothes and food. We can be cold and apathetic when we consider the millions who are dying without Jesus.

Today, ask God to fill you with compassion for others. Be ready to reach out to the needy. Seek to impact a lost and dying world with the Gospel. Remember that you have been blessed that you might be a blessing.

Reflection Question: Are you looking out for yourself or others?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Hezekiah’s response in Isaiah 39 self-centered?

After God extended his life, Hezekiah grew prideful, and when warned of future judgment on his house and offspring, he was unmoved—comforted only that “there will be peace and security in my days,” showing concern for himself over others.

How can I overcome self-centeredness?

Scripture calls us to ask God for compassion that looks beyond our own comfort—caring about the suffering, the needy, and the lost—and to remember we are blessed in order to be a blessing to others.