Monday, July 16, 2012

The Sin of Security

 
"Manasseh was 12... when he began to reign... and he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord." Manasseh was the son of Hezekiah, a king who "did what was right in the eyes of the Lord." So how was it that Hezy's son turned out so bad? When Hezekiah was on his deathbed, he begged God for salvation and the Lord granted him 15 additional years (during which time Manasseh was born). Shortly after his "salvation experience,," Hezy flaunted his wealth to some visiting Babylonian ambassadors. Isaiah rebuked the king with these words: "Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house... shall be carried to Babylon." Hezekiah thought about this foreboding prophecy and chipperly replied: "The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good... Why not, if there will be peace and security in my days" (2Kings 20).

I am saved by the grace of God and am heaven-bound no matter what I do or do not do here after the day of my salvation! So what if my sinful actions lead others astray or if my lack of obedience precludes me from training others to follow Jesus: at least there will be peace and security in my days! Because Hezekiah cared so little about future generations, his son became the most evil king Judah had ever known. If I care more about my own salvation than I do for the spiritual wellbeing of those I love, then what will become of those who follow me?

Jesus tells us a parable about people who hide their talents because they are afraid of what God will do if they lose it. God takes that talent away and gives it to those willing to share their talents with others. We should be secure in our salvation but not so secure that we are afraid to lose it.