What Shall I Render to the Lord?

God rescued king Hezekiah of Judah from the hands of king Sennacherib of Assyria and from the hands of all his enemies (2 Chronicles 33:22). Verse 27 states how much Hezekiah accumulated in wealth and other possessions God had entrusted to him. The Bible states in simple and plain words that Hezekiah prospered in all his works. During his later reign, he became sick ("snares of death encompassed him; the pangs of sheol laid hold on him") and he prayed to God. He was answered with a sign and deliverance, Isaiah 38:5-8.

This was a test. God left him to himself in order to test him, and knew all that was in his heart. Hezekiah made a deeply sincere confession because he was thankful for his deliverance.

It is a little wonder that many worldly kings of today have been overtaken by pride over their greatness in terms of wealth. They have no conscience about how they attained to their positions, and have no understanding that they derived these from God and not their own might. That is why there is no peace and security in the times of their rulership.

In contrast, Hezekiah's rule did develop peace and security in the last years of his reign on the throne. In this regard, he considered in his mind what he should render to the Lord for all his benefits. And he put this in writing, Isaiah 9-20.

We, too, can be healed of our suffering in distress and anguish if we develop the same outlook. The psalmist in his sufferings still loved the Lord for his mercy and called on His name. God delivered his soul from death, so he promised to walk before the Lord all his remaining days. He considered his own place before God (Psalm 116:1,4,8,9). God has bestowed upon us countless benefits for this life and future life salvation. Let us offer ourselves a sacrifice of thanksgiving, calling on the name of the Lord through prayers in the courts of the house of the Lord (v17,19), ie in the assembly of believers.

Bro Lawrence K'Owiti (Katito, Kenya)