Inspecting Your House

Isaiah 38:1 — 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.

This whole planet is now sick unto death.

Hezekiah was a successful and honourable king in the prime of his life — filled with quickening zeal, aspirations and great expectations. Then he became sick unto death, and he needed to hear words of comfort and assurance. What Isaiah the prophet, the messenger of God, brought him instead was this: “Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.”

In the midst of life

In the midst of life and happiness, we are all exposed to sickness and death.

Some people are keen to prepare once they are aware that death is near, but never stop to consider sudden death. Those who are seriously considering tomorrow will act prudently today, by putting their house in order.

Proverbs 22:3 — A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

A prudent person is not reactive but proactive.

Preparation is an immediate duty

Preparation for death is an immediate duty, because no one knows how soon is too late.

Preparation should be done in convenience — when it is calm and reflective — and not with panic and haste, in a crisis.

Prepared to meet Christ

Preparation for death is only secured if I am prepared to meet Christ.

• If I am unprepared to meet Christ, I am unprepared to die.
• If I am surprised by death, I will be surprised by the coming of the Lord.
• If I am prepared to die in Christ, I am prepared to live with Him when He comes.

Whose eyes will inspect our house

There are many things that we can refuse to do, but we cannot refuse to die, and we cannot refuse to meet God in judgment.

Therefore prepare to meet death — and prepare also to meet God, whose eyes will inspect our house.

Prepare spiritually. Prepare scripturally. Prepare earnestly. Prepare immediately — because no one knows what a day will bring.

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This article follows on from The Greatest Appointments, on the two appointments no one can postpone. To study the judgment-hour message in full, begin with the everlasting gospel of Revelation 14:6.

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