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  HEZEKIAH--THE MAN WHO BEAT A DEATH RAP!
  by David Wilkerson
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Summary: The sermon warns against the danger of living selfishly and
wasting the opportunity to live a life of gratitude and humility, as
seen in Hezekiah's story.

Topics: "Gratitude", "Living Purposefully"
Scripture References: Isaiah 38:1

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DESCRIPTION
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David Wilkerson discusses the story of King Hezekiah, who faced death
but prayed for and received an extension of life from God. Despite his
miraculous recovery, Hezekiah fell into pride and materialism,
neglecting to live humbly and gratefully for the years he was given. The
sermon warns against the tendency to squander the gift of life on
selfish pursuits rather than serving God and others. Wilkerson
emphasizes the importance of living each day with purpose and gratitude
after being spared from death. Ultimately, he challenges listeners to
reflect on how they use their time and blessings.

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CONTENT
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"In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet,
the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, 'Thus says the Lord: "Set
your house in order, for you shall die and not live."' Then Hezekiah . .
. prayed to the Lord" (Isaiah 38:1-2).

He was a king riding the crest of victory,

Delivered miraculously by God

From King Sennacherib's army.

He was wealthy and renowned

When sickness struck,

Bringing him to the brink of death.

The prophet warned,

"Get ready to die

It's all over for you."

But the king loved life,

And turning his face to the wall

Cried, and prayed to the Lord

For a new lease on life.

God heard and gave him fifteen more years.

But how should a man live

Who has won over death?

As so many do who survive

A close call with death.

Should he not live each day gratefully,

Giving himself humbly to God and mankind?

But the way of human flesh is not so.

The king began to glory in his own worth--

He sank in the mud of materialism,

Parading his treasures before foreigners.

A second message by the prophet was sounded

Of judgment on his posterity

For pride and ingratitude.

And how many today have been given

A new lease on life,

Only to spend their borrowed years

In selfish pursuit of things

Which have no value?

Eternity will reveal

It would have been better

For some to die

Rather than beat the rap.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/david-wilkerson/hezekiahthe-man-who-beat-a-death-rap/
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