Set Thy House In Order

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: