INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Hezekiah’s Prognosis
2. Hezekiah’s Prayer
3. Hezekiah’s Promise
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the theme, "Set your house in order." It would seem from the text that none of us are exempt from the call of death. Common sense tells us this as well as the bible. We are instructed, that, "It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment," Hebrews 9:27. I am confident, that each of us are aware of the importance of not only setting our house in order, but ensuring it remains that way. For not all of God's children have an opportunity like this servant of the Lord, king Hezekiah; to be bless with another 15 years of peace and prosperity. I could only encourage each of us, to prepare for this important matter, and to remember the certainty of the visit of death to our household.
2. First, we will notice Jehovah’s prognosis of the king regarding this matter. There was a message to prepare him to get “his house in order” – to alert him of his pending death. Notice: “In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live,” Isaiah 38:1. For certain, we all share the same fate. However, we are not all given such an announcement so as to prepare ourselves for the event. This king was sent word from God, “thou shalt die, and not live.” We have witnessed someone in our family, “sick unto death.” And wished with compassion that they would die; to alleviate all the suffering and pain they are bearing. We may have asked for God’s intervention in this matter?
3. Second, we will consider the prayer of the king unto Jehovah regarding this message. Our text reveals, “Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore,” Isaiah 38:2-3. We are not sure what his ailment was, but it was unto death. Often, we do last what this king did first! He turned himself to the wall and prayed to God regarding his situation. He reminded the Lord of his faithfulness and walk before Him in his sight. The “king wept sore” regarding these words. Paul reminds us that, “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death,” 2 Corinthians 7:10.
4. Finally, we will discuss the promise Jehovah makes unto the king. Isaiah returns unto the king’s house with another word: “Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying, Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years, And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city,” Isaiah 38:4-6. The prayer of Hezekiah, touch the heart of God. You should know that, “The effectual and fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much,” James 5:16. God is moved by our prayer of sorrow and despair. Remember Paul: “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God,” Philippians 4:6.
BODY OF LESSON
I HEZEKIAH’S PROGNOSIS
A. The record says: "In those days Hezekiah was sick unto death." None whether king or servant is exempt from sickness and death. This kings was a might man; and in favor of men and heaven. He was struck with sickness as it seems in the time of his usefulness; after his triumphs over the ruined army of the Assyrians. We may learn a lesson from this, to rejoice with trembling; and always give God the praise for every victory and blessing.
B. Sick unto death. It appear that he had an illness which if it continued to follow it due course would be deadly. He was struck with a disease, which, without a miracle, would certainly be fatal. Hezekiah would be instructed by the prophet Isaiah, “Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaister upon the boil, and he shall recover,” Isaiah 38:21. Plaister, Gr. mârach, maw-rakh'; a primitive root; properly, to soften by rubbing or pressure; hence (medicinally) to apply as an emollient:—lay for a plaister. The king’s physician was to rub upon the boil this plaister and it would cure the boil and he would be healed. Notice:
1. First, it's not the remedy that heals, but the God that has directed it.
2. Further, the elders of the church were to, “anointing him (the sick) with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him,” James 5:14-15.
3. Additionally, recover, Gr. châyâh, khaw-yaw'; a primitive root; to live, to revive:—keep (leave, make) alive, recover, surely, be whole.
4. Finally, Hezekiah’s healing was the results of the anointing of the boil and his prayer for healing and a longer life. Jehovah promised him, additional life and peace during the rest of his reign. Hezekiah said: “To Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. He said moreover, for there shall be peace and truth in my days,” Isaiah 39:8; 2 Chronicles 34:28.
C. Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amos. He was sent unto the king from Jehovah. He had a message of doom. Often prophets carried messages of doom; and sometime a message of hope. However, in this case, it appears he is the bearer of bad news.
D. Set your house in order. This is a directive we all should heed. The message the prophet carried was, "Thus saith the Lord, Set your house in order." In other words; set your heart, as well as your affairs in order, because you are going to die.
1. First, set your heart in order, so as to find peace with God, your own conscience, and with all men.
2. Further, set your affairs, so as to prepare someone else to take your place; to manage your office, and your kingdom. For your time here is far spent.
3. Finally, Hezekiah died and the throne was given to his son, Manasseh, 2 Kings 20:21. Manasseh was 12 when he began his reign in Jerusalem, 2 Kings 21:1.
E. Thou shalt die, and shall not live. These sort or prophecies were often threats, and when such, were conditional, announcing results which would follow unless averted by prayer and repentance. Remember, Jehovah's message to Jonah regarding Nineveh, "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown," Jonah 3:4. Also, Jonah 3:5-10.
II HEZEKIAH’S PRAYER
A. His posture. "Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall." Perhaps this was symbolic of turning toward Jerusalem; as Daniel; and others had done. He sought to invoke Jehovah highest attention to his prayer. This action resembles of Ahab in, 1 Kings 21:4. But, the spirit of the moment was entirely different. Ahab turned away in sullenness, Hezekiah that he might pray undisturbed to his God. Illustrate: Posture during prayer.
B. His prayer. His prayer was directed "unto the Lord." He begins by asking the Lord to "remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee." He asks the Lord to recall his service and dedication. He humbly beseech the Lord to remember his faithfulness in the office he was appointed. We all have the right, to place as a memorial, our service and dedication to the Lord, as the basis for His response to our prayer. Notice:
1. First, God remembered Cornelius’ prayer, work and devotion, Acts 10:1-4. Remember, however, if our life is not pleasing and acceptable unto Him; then His response may not be that which is beneficial unto us! Peter said: “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him,” Acts 10:34-35.
2. Further, Paul: “Who will render to every man according to his deeds:...Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God, Romans 2:6-11. See also Colossians 3:25.
3. Also, Solomon: “These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment,” Proverbs 24:23. Notice also: “And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear,” 1 Peter 1:17.
4. Finally, “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors,” James 2:9. Illustrate: Respect of Person, James 2:1-13. It is seen within the courts, law enforcement, business and even religion. We are living within a nation now that has resorted to the old ways of prejudice and bigotry.
C. His perfect heart. "How I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart." O’ Lord remember our walk before thee. Recall our faithfulness in thy truth and our perfect heart in thy sight.
Notice:
1. First, King Hezekiah, “And (he) said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore,” Isaiah 38:3. He reminded the Lord regarding his walk before Him,” Isaiah 38:3.
2. Further, “And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the LORD his God. And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered,” 2 Chronicles 31:20-21.
3. Additionally, Micah: "He hath shew thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy; and to walk humbly with thy God?" See Micah 6:8. Also, “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?” See Psalms 116:12.
4. Finally, David’s prayer: "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer," Psalms 19:14.
D. His proven life. "And have done that which is good in thy sight." Notice:
1. First, "And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done," 2 Chronicles 29:2.
2. Further, "And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the Lord his God. And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered," 2 Chronicles 31:20-21.
3. Additionally, Hezekiah was not demanding a reward from God for his service, but with modesty begged God to remember; how he had reformed the kingdom; taken away the high places; cleansed the temple; revived neglected ordinances, and offered burnt offering and sacrifices.
4. Finally, better than all these things, he reminded the Lord, how he "had walk before him in truth and sincerity, and with a perfect heart." These are the true tests of a man’s faithfulness and devotion to God; and far outweigh any righteous act performed in keeping God’s ordinances.
5. Conclusion: God requires our faithfulness, devotion and dedication to his commandments, work and service. Hezekiah did right in the sight of God all the days of his life. His heart was perfect before the Lord.
E. His sorrow. "And Hezekiah wept sore." Here he shows his tenderness of heart, and sorrow that he would not be able to complete his heart felt work for God. The greatest men of God have been known by their tenderness of heart. Notice:
1. First, David wept for Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:12); and then for Absalom (2 Samuel 19:1).
2. Further, Josiah wept when he heard the words of the Law of God, (2 Kings 22:19).
3. Next, Nehemiah wept at the desolation of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:4).
4. Also, Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus, John 11:35. He wept later over Jerusalem, "And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it," Luke 19:41.
5. Consider, "Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice, and he went out, and wept bitterly," Matthew 26:75.
6. Finally, The elders of Ephesus wept at words of Paul, “thou shalt see my face no more,” Acts 20:36-38.
7. Illustrate: Tears of Sorrow – Songs of Praise. Notice: “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him,” Psalms 126:5-6.
III HEZEKIAH’S PROMISE
A. Jehovah’s answer. Notice: "Then came the word of the Lord to Isaiah, saying, Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years," Isaiah 38:4-5. Notice:
1. First, “And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him saying, Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears; behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord," 2 Kings 20:3-4.
2. Further, here we have an additional account of Jehovah’s words to Isaiah about king Hezekiah. It appears that before Isaiah got out of the house of Hezekiah, God was moved by his prayer and repentance.
3. Finally, we can be certain that God can be moved with compassion for our sufferings, trials and temptations. We are assured by Peter: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you,” 1 Peter 5:6-7. Also, “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need,” Hebrews 4:15-16.
B. I have heard. "I have heard thy prayer. I have seen thy tears," Isaiah 38:5. Don't be afraid to cry unto the Lord; and shed tears before him; for he can be touched by your weeping; and many sorrows. Notice:
1. First, It was the cries of the people that cause him to deliver Israel, Exodus 2:23-25; Exodus 3:7-8.
2. Further, “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all,” Psalms 34:15-19. See also 1 Peter 3:12.
3. Finally, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much," James 5:16.
C. I will add. "Behold I will add unto thy days fifteen years.” Notice his healing from verse 21; “For Isaiah had said, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaister upon the boil, and he shall recover." More on this phrase later.
D. I will deliver. The Lord God of Israel promised to heal Hezekiah and deliver Jerusalem from the hand of Assyria, the king Sennacherib. Notice:
1. First, He healed Hezekiah. Jehovah said: “behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD, and I will add unto thy days fifteen years,” Isaiah 38:5-6a.
2. Further, He would worship in the house of the Lord in three day. Jehovah said: “On the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD,” Isaiah 38:5b.
3. Finally, He would deliver the city. Notice:
a. Jehovah said: "And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city," Isaiah 38:6b.
b. Angel of the Lord: “And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valor, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword,” 2 Chronicles 32:21. The king’s sons took his life as God predicted.
c. Here Jehovah not only promises to preserve his life; and lengthen his days, but also that he should, "See the good of Jerusalem all the days of his life," Psalms 128:5.
E. What is the sign? Notice: "What shall be the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the LORD the third day?” Notice:
1. First, Jehovah’s answer to Hezekiah: "And this shall be a sign unto thee from the Lord, that the Lord will do this thing that he hath spoken; behold I will bring again the shadow of the degrees, which is gone down in the sun-dial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward. So the sun returned ten degrees, by which it was gone down," Isaiah 38:22.
2. Further, Jews sought a sign from Jesus. Our Lord said: "An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth," Matthew 12:38-40.
3. Additionally, Paul says:
a. One, “For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God,” 1 Corinthians 1:22-24.
b. Two, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For…pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe,” 1 Corinthians 1:18-21.
c. Three, “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with Excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God,” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.
4. Finally, many seek a sign today. Illustrate: The Resurrection of Christ. God’s greatest sign is found in the resurrection of Christ, John 20:24-29.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Hezekiah’s Prognosis
2. Hezekiah’s Prayer
3. Hezekiah’s Promise
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we noticed Jehovah’s prognosis of the king regarding this matter. There was a message to prepare him to get “his house in order” – to alert him of his pending death. Notice: “In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live,” Isaiah 38:1. For certain, we all share the same fate. However, we are not all given such an announcement so as to prepare ourselves for the event. This king was sent word from God, “thou shalt die, and not live.” We have witnessed someone in our family, “sick unto death.” And wished with compassion that they would die; to alleviate all the suffering and pain they are bearing. We may have asked for God’s intervention in this matter?
2. Second, we considered the prayer of the king unto Jehovah regarding this message. Our text reveals, “Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore,” Isaiah 38:2-3. We are not sure what his ailment was, but it was unto death. Often, we do last what this king did first! He turned himself to the wall and prayed to God regarding his situation. He reminded the Lord of his faithfulness and walk before Him in his sight. The “king wept sore” regarding these words. Paul reminds us that, “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death,” 2 Corinthians 7:10.
3. Finally, we discussed the promise Jehovah makes unto the king. Isaiah returns unto the king’s house with another word: “Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying, Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years, And I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city,” Isaiah 38:4-6. The prayer of Hezekiah, touch the heart of God. You should know that, “The effectual and fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much,” James 5:16. God is moved by our prayer of sorrow and despair. Remember Paul: “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God,” Philippians 4:6.
C. Invitation.
D. Persuade.
E. Motivation.
