Why Does God's Help Make Us Proud?
Hezekiah, who reigned as King of Judah, inherited a kingdom in decline. His father, Ahaz, perverted Judah's worship, even sacrificing his own sons in idolatrous worship. God's temple had been defiled and neglected as the people worshiped pagan gods. Immediately on his ascension to the throne, Hezekiah set about restoring the temple and the proper worship of God. He led the people to celebrate the Passover, which had not been observed in generations. Prosperity returned to the land.
Then the Assyrians came calling. Forces under Sennacherib invaded Judah and surrounded Jerusalem, spewing out threats and blasphemies against the Lord. Outnumbered and outgunned, Hezekiah faced impossible odds. Even so, he led the people to stand firm and trust the Lord. The Lord intervened and Sennacherib's army was decimated. The Lord saved them and "provided for them on every side" (2 Chron. 32:22). Not long after this deliverance, the Lord also saved Hezekiah from a terminal disease and gave him 15 additional years to live.
Yet, in spite of all this, in 2 Chronicles 32:25 you find these words: "But Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud." Somehow the intervention of God in his life made him prideful. Hezekiah, instead of being thankful for these multiple displays of God's power and provision became smug in self-confidence. God had to get his attention and humble him.
Hezekiah's life provides a cautionary tale for us. You may not think about it in this way but what God did for Hezekiah pales in comparison to what He has done for us. What could be greater than supernatural deliverance and healing? How about eternal salvation? God, in sending His own Son to conquer death, hell, and sin has made the way of salvation. If God does nothing else for us in this life, he has already done greater things for us than He did for Hezekiah.
What does it mean to make a return? First, it means to consider the work of God in our lives with genuine thankfulness. We need to thank God for our salvation but my suspicion is that there is an enormous litany of other ways God has shown grace in our lives. Thank Him. Thank Him in prayer. Thank Him in heartfelt worship. Second, we make return by giving back to God. Financial generosity, joyful service in the mission of God, and even spiritual disciplines are all ways that we make return. I don't want to be stingy toward the God who has been so generous to me!
Sometimes an old hymn says it best:
Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.