GOD TRIES (-TESTS, PROVES) HIS PEOPLE

"God left him to try him, that He might know all that was in his heart." -II Chronicles 32:31 [KJV]

Hezekiah was a great and a good man: he had rich experience in divine grace. Still he discovered, that he had a sinful nature, and a deceitful heart. Though an eminent saint of God, yet pride and vain-glory beset him. I have been led to think, there seems a little of the spirit of the pharisee, in his beseeching the Lord to remember how he had walked before Him in truth, with a perfect heart, and done that which was good in His sight (II Kings 20:3.) At least, some of a self-righteous spirit, have been led to think from hence, that they have had somewhat in themselves whereof to glory. 

O! if we have walked well, and done well, we need not remind our Lord of it. If the heart be simple with its Saviour, it will not: for it was by His grace we did so. He Who gives us grace, can never be unmindful of its effects. We hear of Hezekiah’s sickness—of the Lord’s giving him a sign of restoration—of his sudden recovery—of his sweet experience—of the Lord’s dealing with him in his sickness (Isaiah ch. 38.) 

Should we not next expect to hear of his perfect love, supreme affection to the Lord, and of his deepest humility before him? But, alas! we are told, “he rendered not again, according to the benefits done unto him.” Why? Astonishing! For his heart was lifted up. O, what pride and vain-glory does he discover, in shewing to the princes of Babylon his vast treasure! Is this the man who so lately chattered like a crane or a swallow, and mourned like a dove; whose eyes failed, and whose tongue cried out, “O, Lord! I am oppressed; undertake for me”? This he, who said, I shall go softly all my years, in the bitterness of my soul? 

Yes, “God left him.” O! if God leaves, then Satan tempts, and corruptions rage. What evils may not the best of men fall into? Saint, know thyself. Consider this. Why did God leave him? Why does He leave any of His dear children? To try them.—That they may have full proof of their weakness and vileness; that they may know all that was in their hearts. We know but little of the latent seeds of pride and wickedness in us. 

The Lord withdraws for a season: He suffers devilish pride to rear its cursed head, that He may wound it by the power of His grace, and bring the poor sinner to His feet, with Hezekiah, to humble himself for the pride of his heart (verse 26.) Happy those in whom such effects are produced! for in them the grace of God, yea, the God of grace, is glorified.

 

My Lord, how wond’rous is Thy love, 

So long with me to bear! 

A wretch so proud, who oft hath strove 

Glory with Thee to share. 

Search me, O God! and try my heart, 

Its vileness shew to me: 

Cause all self-glorying to depart, 

That I may humble be.

 

-preacher William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.)