Faithfulness: A Character Study of Hezekiah, the King
By :Elder Enoch Ofori Jnr
(15-29th October, 2011)
Introduction
Godly character is a prerequisite for all those who wish to serve God and serve Him in truth. But where is character without faithfulness? The LORD says in Ps 101:6 through King David: “Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with Me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve Me” (cf. 2 Chron. 16:9).
Faithfulness, then, is at the heart of godly character. Known in Hebrew as “kun” (Strong’s #3559), faithfulness basically means “to be erect (that is, stand perpendicular) or upright, be stable, be established or be secure” in Hebrew thought. Faithfulness, therefore, is all about being sincere and steady in uprightness and in one’s godly life or righteous walk with God.
Sadly, faithfulness is not a trait that comes easily or naturally to people; fallen mankind is generally faithless and, indeed, “the faithful fail from among the children of men” (Ps 12:1). Proverbs 20:6 asks: “a faithful man who can find?”
Will you be that elusive “faithful man”?
Faithfulness is especially required of God’s ministers (1 Cor. 4:2; 2 Cor. 4:2; 2 Tim. 2:2) and of their wives (1 Tim. 3:11) and children (Tit. 1:6). But it is also expected of all believers (Col. 1:2; 1 Tim. 6:2; 1 Pet. 4:10-11; Rev. 17:14).
One hero of the faith who is without doubt a ‘star’ in godly faithfulness is King Hezekiah of the ancient Biblical Kingdom of Judah. The story of his life overflows with faithfulness at every turn. He could be said to be godliness personified, earning the distinction of being one of the most celebrated devout kings of Judah alongside King Josiah (compare 2 Kings 18:5 & 23:25).
The life of King Hezekiah recorded in the scrpitures speaks powerfully to us about the righteous choices still available to us today as opposed to the evil choices so many make in these last days of evil, with the result that faithfulness is now a scarce, if not an extinct, commodity (Eph. 5:16; 2 Tim. 3:1-4). He’s a true hero to emulate!
So, come on board as we try to relive the righteous life of King Hezekiah “written [down] for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Rom. 15:4 ESV). Amen!
