There is a sobering message from God to King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 20:1 “In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The Prophet Isaiah 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.”
Can you imagine the shock of receiving that message? What if that message came to you? I do not mean to sound morbid but we all must face reality. We will die. The tragedy is that in the recesses of our minds we know that we will die but somehow we manage to convince ourselves that it won’t be anytime soon. The truth of the matter is we do not know the day or the hour that we will die. Because death is a reality and because we don’t know when we will die, God’s word to Hezekiah is also a message to each one of us, “Put your house in order.”
Is your house in order? The most important question of all is, “Are you prepared to die?” Do you have a personal relationship with God? Do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that upon your death, you will enter into heaven and into the place that God has prepared for you? In other words, have you received Christ into your heart as Lord and Savior? Have you acknowledged your sins.? Have you confessed your sins? Have you asked God to forgive you of your sins? Have you experienced a transformation in your life.? Do you know in your heart that Jesus is your Lord and Savior and you are at peace with God? The Bible says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
It is, first and foremost, important that you know that you are spiritually prepared to die. If you can sing with conviction, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future and life is worth the living just because He lives,” then you know the peace of mind that salvation brings.
But there is more. We live now in a physical world and there are important things that we must do on earth, while we are living, to “Put our house in order”. Here are important matters for you to consider in making physical preparation for death. Check this list and see how prepared you are:
Do you have a living Will?
Do you have a Will? (if you don’t the State has one for you).
Does someone have access to your Living Will and your Will?
Does someone know where your important documents are?
Have you made funeral plans with a funeral home?
Do you want a traditional burial or cremation?
If cremation, what should be done with your remains?
Have you purchased a burial site?
Do you have information you want included in your obituary?
Do you have plans for a church funeral or graveside service?
Do you know who will conduct your service?
Do you have special scriptures listed that are meaningful to you?
Do you have a special poem that you want shared in the service?
Have you picked out music you want sung at your service?
Who do you want to sing at your service?
Who do you want to play piano or organ at your service?
Have you selected pallbearers for your service?
As you plan and answer these questions, logically you cannot know the answer to every detail because circumstances change. But the more thorough you are in putting your house in order, the better your plans can be honored and the easier it will be for your loved ones and for those who participate in your service. Putting your house in order does not necessarily mean that your death is imminent but it will give you peace of mind to let your desires be known.
God’s shocking words to Hezekiah woke him up to the reality of his approaching death. Fortunately, Hezekiah was given 15 more years to live. The truth is, no one knows how much time they have. So, the sooner we “Put our House in order,” the better.
In His Love,
Charles
