As I was spending time with the Lord this morning, I turned in my Bible Reading Plan to Isaiah 38. It gives the account of a terminal diagnosis given to King Hezekiah:

In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.” Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, “Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah: “Go and tell Hezekiah, This is what the Lord the God of your father David says: ‘I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life.” Isaiah 38:1-5

Notice the response to this devastating news: prayer and tears. Both were appropriate. When we receive bad news it is always appropriate to pray. I’m thankful he set the example of prayer first. For too many of us it is our last resort; not our first response. He reminded God of his faithfulness and then began to weep. Tears were created by God to benefit not only our eyes but our broken hearts as well. Never be afraid to cry for the right reasons. I don’t sense self pity in Hezekiah, but simply a desire to do more in this life. Note: He made no demands of God. He didn’t bargain or demand God to heal him. He simply shared his heart with our Heavenly Father and trusted him with the outcome.

In God’s mercy, he extended Hezekiah’s life for 15 more years on earth. I wonder if Hezekiah ever spoke to God later and was sorry for the additional years he received that prolonged his entrance into Heaven. Regardless; God didn’t withdraw his word requiring Hezekiah to “Put your house in order.” That’s one of those phrases we use without even thinking of its origin. It reminded me today that 100 % of us have a terminal illness and we’re all going to die unless Jesus comes back first. How’s your house? Is it in order?

I spoke with Bill Junk, The President of The Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation, today and he told me he has people in his office that can help any of us with final financial issues at no cost to us. If you’re interested in learning more, please call his office at 1.800.259.6863. Robin and I have had a will for many years to care for our children and to provide for the dispersal of our assets (if there are any!) at the time of our death. Though not pleasant to consider, it does make good sense and it makes it so much easier on the family. There’s no better time than the present to ”be prepared.”

Yours in Christ,
Mark

P.S. Didn’t our children (and Ed and Tony) do great on Sunday? It really was “Cool in the Furnace!” What a blessing!