Hezekiah--the Man Who Beat a Death Rap!
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.
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.
Text
"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.
Sermon Outline
- The King's Crisis
- The King's Prayer
- The King's Response
- A Warning to Us
- The danger of beating the rap and living selfishly
- The importance of living each day gratefully and humbly
- The consequences of ingratitude
Key Quotes
“It would have been better for some to die rather than beat the rap.” — David Wilkerson
“Should he not live each day gratefully, giving himself humbly to God and mankind?” — David Wilkerson
“The way of human flesh is not so.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We should live each day gratefully and humbly, giving ourselves to God and mankind.
- Pride and materialism can lead to ingratitude and judgment.
- A new lease on life is a precious gift that should be used wisely.