“The word of the Lord you have spoken is good,” Hezekiah replied. For he thought, “There will be peace and security in my lifetime.” (Isa. 39:8)
Our granddaughter—little Miss Marlowe—was born with achondroplasia, or dwarfism. Because we believe in the power of words, we are already reading her one of the great stories: Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hears a Who. In the story, Horton meets a whole world of tiny people living on a flower. He makes a decision to protect them, declaring bravely to those who mock him and threaten to destroy his flower, “A person’s a person no matter how small.” Horton demonstrates great courage and foresight for the future of the little community at great present cost to himself.
Hezekiah started out as a good and godly king, focused on the instructions of God and the good of God’s people. But Hezekiah’s beginning was better than his ending. Rather than focusing on his people’s ongoing needs and making sacrifices to ensure their safety and survival, Hezekiah settled on a comfortable present. Rather than being others focused, Hezekiah revealed he had become self-focused.
Sacrifice for personal gain is sometimes admired. But sacrifice for the sake of the ongoing community is unusual and recognized as high attainment even in our jaded age. Those who face personal loss in the protection of others demonstrate extraordinary courage and hope. May we all strive for the ability to see small—to look outside one’s self and impart value to each person—no matter the cost.
Choose hope by accepting present sacrifice for future gain.
Sandy Emmett is the Wellness Synergist for Global Partners. She grew up as a MK, learning language in several countries in Europe and Africa. She loves reading, walking/hiking, traveling to new places, and—her new granddaughter.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
