The price for pride

King Hezekiah was granted 15 years to his life on beseeching the Lord for a stay when sick. (Isa 38.5)  But paid a price when his heart was lifted up by flattery of the king of Babylon.  He was so "moved" by the Bablonian King's attentions (Isa 39.2) that a prophecy was told of "ALL...in (his) house...shall be carried to Babylon." (Isa 39.6)  Neither would he be granted grandchildren, thus "seed" after his name. (Isa 39.7)  Yet, he would live in "peace and truth" the rest of his days. (Isa 39.8)  

The price for pride?  Captivity of a people, no namesake, no joy...

Flash forward about 730 years to the time of Christ.

The disciples of John the Baptist were asking "to whom thou barest witness, (He is baptizing all that come to Him.)" Jn 3.26

To which the preacher replies, "A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven." (Jn 3.27)  John instructs the listeners further about who really gets the glory for all good and blessings. "He must increase but I decrease." (Jn 3.30)  In addition John says this profound thing; "For He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure."

The scripture that comes to mind in reference to "...God giveth not the Spirit by measure," (Jn 3.30) is found in (I Thes 5.19); We are commanded, "Quench not the Spirit."   One gets ALL of Him when salvation occurs. (Acts 1.8,  Jn 7.39, Acts 2.33, 2.38, 8.15, 8.17, 19.2, Gal 3.14 John 20:22)

Even though the life of King Hezekiah was prior to Grace that came through the Lord Jesus, what caused the loss of these external blessings? The "quenching" of the sweet Spirit of the Lord he had as King of Israel.  In a word "pride."  He was so elated at the length given his days after his illness that he subjected himself to the flattery of this worldly King of Babylon.

If we are to continue in the Lord's blessings, most of which are indeed spiritual, rather than the "added benefits" of daily living (health, finances, "things"...), how must we proceed?  Humilty of heart, body, mind and soul.  John said "he must increase, but I decrease." (Jn 3.30)

John said that "God (does not) give the Spirit by measure."  One gets ALL of God when one believes.

Paul told the Thessalonians to "Quench not the Spirit." (I Thes 5.19)

Quench (G4570) means "to extinguish of fire or things on fire." It also means "to suppress or stifle of divine influence."  This is a direct result of pride!  A hardened heart.  Look up the verses and the consequences.  It is never good.

It is quite simple really.  Though this blogger does not labor at any point.  The price for pride is great and not always redeemable in life.  The Holy Spirit whispered to this blogger to "wait" on a big decision in life.  Of course, giving way to the flesh, I didn't.  It took 16 years for  the pride in my heart to bear fruit but it did.  I thought I knew better than the Holy Spirit and so I "quenched" that "still small voice" to my own desire. The price for my pride? Loss of home and a "sword that never leaves my heart."  Was peace, contentment and goodness restored?  Yes, but the price was heavy.

I admit this discourse seems a bit jumbled. Current devotion, however, seemed to bring the two passages together.  King Hezekiah's pride and John the Baptist's teaching on humility.  

Take what you can from these words and God bless.  Ps 57.7

Where did my peace go? (Isa 30.15)

Some years ago, the Lord impressed this verse in my heart and it seems to be beckoning me again.  Of course it is an appeal to Israel to come back to the Lord after much rebellion.  However, it speaks to this blogger in a different way.  The verse:

"In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength..."

It's always been clear, as a believer, that worldly pursuits, ideas, ways, keep one from the comfort of the Holy Spirit.  Still, believers get "sucked" into this world, many times, without realizing what it is doing to the peace once known.

That is the case with this blogger.  Without going into detail, my prayer is forgiveness of the things I've yielded in the flesh that cause so much unrest. Satan is "more subtle than any beast of the field." (Gen 3.1) Thus, His intention is to draw the believer's heart from the One who would give rest and peace.  The song was rendered of life; "it's a battlefield, not a recreation room."  True, true, true.

We are to turn to the One who gives such comfort, "The Comforter," promised by the Lord Himself. (Jn 14.26, 15.26, 16.13)

Words like, rest, peace, quietness have been circling my head for a few days.  I feel like a thirsty man in the desert with an ocean of water in view.  It occurs to me from the verse noted today, that "returning" is the way back to rest of the spirit, quietness of soul and confidence in the daily believers walk.  Thereby, giving much needed strength to the soul.

If you are weary today, take thought that it's probably because much of the world and its ways have been allowed into your life.  STOP the technology.  "Return" to "The way" and "walk" in it! (Isa 30.21)