On Display

When we hear the phrase “On Display” we may think about a trophy.  When you win an athletic event you may get a trophy and this trophy proves a placement in the event; such as 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place for the event.  Trophies are put on display for all to see.  They prove how good you are for a time.

Hezekiah has become the king of Judah.  As he became the king there was a noticeable difference in his attitude and devotion to God, over the kings who preceded him.  To all those who came before him, except for a few kings, were ascribed these words, “They did evil in the sight of the Lord.”  To Hezekiah the words said of him were, “He did right in the sight of the Lord.”

Last week we looked at Psalm 46.  This Psalm was written in the reign of Hezekiah, just fourteen years after he became king.  We’ve seen how the Sons of Korah (of the Levites) praised and worshipped God as their refuge and strength.  Today, we will look at where this praise and worship came from.  It came from the heart and the actions of the heart of one man who loved God.  This is an account that one person, who stood up for the sanctity of God, and allowed himself to be on display.

He stood for God and received:

I.                 Approval of the Lord (Yahweh/Jehovah) (3-4)

A.                Meaning of the Name Lord—Yahweh/Jehovah

1.                Personal Name which is understood by God to mean “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14)

2.                Displays His grace toward His people

B.                Reasons for the Lord’s Approval

1.                He Followed the Ways of King David

2.                He Would Not Stand for the God’s House to be Dishonored

Bertoldo de Giovanni is a name even the most enthusiastic lover of art is unlikely to recognize. He was the pupil of Donatello, the greatest sculptor of his time, and he was the teacher of Michelangelo, the greatest sculptor of all time. Michelangelo was only 14 years old when he came to Bertoldo, but it was already obvious that he was enormously gifted. Bertoldo was wise enough to realize that gifted people are often tempted to coast rather than to grow, and therefore he kept trying to pressure his young prodigy to work seriously at his art. One day he came into the studio to find Michelangelo toying with a piece of sculpture far beneath his abilities. Bertoldo grabbed a hammer, stomped across the room, and smashed the work into tiny pieces, shouting this unforgettable message, "Michelangelo, talent is cheap; dedication is costly!"   Gary Inrig, A Call to Excellence.

• Hezekiah can be seen as Bertoldo, he smash inferior worship, idol worship, can you do the same in your own life.  What are you holding onto that is put above worshipping God?  Be a Hezekiah in your own life, not the in the lives of others, examine your life and put those things that keep you from worshipping God in their proper place.
• I am not saying get rid of the things you enjoy, but don’t let them be placed above God.

He stood for God, because he had:

II.             Confidence in the Lord (Yahweh/Jehovah) (5-6)

A.                All Hezekiah’s Belief, Hope and Assurance was in God

Dr. Simpson felt, “Those with a lack of trust are convinced God can do what they ask.  They believe it is possible; they are just not sure that God will accomplish it for them or in the time they sense it has to be done.”  Gary Keisling, Relentless Spirituality, p. 48

B.                Hezekiah would not let go of God (Clung)

1.                To adhere as if glued firmly

2.                Adhered faithfully to God

i.                   Did not depart

ii.                Kept the commandments

• When you trust God, you will cling to Him.  My prayer to God about Trusting Him is based on the man who came to Jesus and said at the end of their time together, “Lord, I do believe, but help my unbelief.”  I prayer continually, “Lord, I do trust you, but help my untrust.”  The more I trust God, the more I cling to Him.  Make this the day, in your own life, the day you begin trusting God more.  Remember, the more you trust, the more you cling.

He stood for God and felt the:

III.         Presence of the Lord (Yahweh/Jehovah) (7)

A.                The Lord was with him—A very special presence

B.                He Flourished

C.                He Depended on God (He rebelled against the king)

Dave Dravecky, ”Looking back, [my wife] Jan and I have learned that the wilderness is part of the landscape of faith, and every bit as essential as the mountaintop. On the mountaintop we are overwhelmed by God's presence. In the wilderness we are overwhelmed by his absence. Both places should bring us to our knees; the one, in utter awe; the other, in utter dependence.”