Daily devotion – Setting your house in order..
2 Kings 20:1
“In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.”
Yesterday I sat with one of my older brothers as we prepared his funeral service and spoke of life after death. We held hands and prayed together, asking the Lord to receive him when his time eventually comes, and rejoiced in the confidence that he has already “set his house in order” and is ready to meet his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Knowing that a loved one is right with God transforms an eventual funeral into more than a time of mourning—it becomes a true thanksgiving service, a celebration of life, and a source of comfort for his family who know where their dad and grandad will be.
My brother has not been given a specific day or month, yet his health continues to decline as his body weakens. Still, his spirit is strong and his heart rests secure in Christ. It was he who called me and asked me to come—so that together we could ensure his earthly matters and, most importantly, his eternal destiny were set in order.
King Hezekiah was given the unusual privilege of knowing his death was near and being able to prepare. Yet in truth, the Bible tells us that we all share the same reality: sin has brought death into this world, and unless the Lord returns first, we each have an appointed end. Only God knows the hour.
As I sat with my brother and tears flowed, I realized this was one of the most important days of my life. To witness the peace that comes when a believer obeys God’s Word and puts things in order—both spiritually and practically—was deeply moving.
And all of this is possible only because of the finished work of Jesus Christ. By His death and resurrection, He has taken the sting out of death and removed its victory. As Paul declares, “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 15:57)
So today I must ask you—Is your house in order? Are there things left undone, sins unconfessed, forgiveness not extended, or relationships left broken? Do not delay. Life is fragile, but eternal life is secure in Christ for those who trust in Him.