Going Too Far

At that time Merodachbaladan son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a gift to Hezekiah since he heard that he had been sick. Hezekiah gave them a hearing and showed them his whole treasure house- the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil-and his armoury, and everything that was found in his treasuries. There was nothing in his palace and in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them.

Then the prophet Isaiah came to king Hezekiah and asked him, "Where did these men come from and what did they say to you?"

Hezekiah replied, they came from a distant country, from Babylon." 2 Kings 20:12-14

Hezekiah went too far. He may have been flattered and in the process wanted to show off. God did not think that was wise and through Isaiah rebuked him, going so far as to tell him that his sons would go into captivity. The shameful thing about it is he didn't care because he had peace.

Ever been flattered, it tends to open you up like a can of worms, doesn't it?

You can say too much, do too much and generally make a fool of yourself.

Oh God! Give me the grace to keep hold of You, may I measure my words by You, my actions by You!

Also, on the other side we can lose it when pressed too hard. This past week I had a build up and don't see the clincher coming. It totally derailed me and I scrambled to gain traction.

Today I took my mum to the matinee session of The Lone Ranger. Funny! How many derailments can you handle and still live. Well, in the movies you are made of elastic but in real life you are flesh and blood.

Whether our overdose of experiences is good or bad, as with an actual overdose there is a time out required. I find sitting still before The Lord brings clarity, yet today going to the movies took my mind off the trauma and gave me perspective. I was able to go to church tonight and enjoy The Lord and the preaching of the word.

His ways are always best and His life is always best! Amen!