The biblical historians used an interesting phrase to close the chapter on each king’s life and recap some significant aspect of his reign:
- Now the rest of the acts of Solomon and whatever he did, and his wisdom…
- Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he made war…
- Now the rest of all the acts of Asa… and the cities which he built…
- Now the rest of the acts of Zimri and his conspiracy…
- Now the rest of the acts of Ahab and… the ivory house which he built…
- Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim and the abominations which he did…
So as Hezekiah’s story comes to a close, notice the especially telling summary given him: “Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah and his deeds of devotion…” 1
Every now and then I find myself wandering through cemeteries reading epitaphs. One of the regulars is, “Loving father, devoted husband.” But what, exactly, is devotion? It’s ardent loyalty, profound dedication, or earnest attachment to a cause or person.2
Fits Hezekiah, doesn’t it? He took a stand for righteousness, cleansed and reopened the temple, led his nation back to God, trusted God in crisis, and powerfully influenced his people to rely on God. So it’s not hard to agree on Hezekiah’s legacy–nothing less than wholehearted devotion and dedication to God.
If you were to breathe your last today, what summary wording would be chosen to recap your life? “Now the rest of the acts of (your name) and the (major significance of your life) …
Would the phrase “deeds of devotion” be used? I sure hope so. Let’s live that way!