We read those words in Isaiah 38:1, “In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, ‘Thus says the LORD: Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live’.” We see clearly that those words refer to one PREPARING for their death by “managing their household affairs,” which would include having a will for their family to read so they know who would inherit your property and other assets. In Hezekiah’s case, it may also include setting political affairs in order since he was the King of Israel. This is a very practical command given to him by the Lord and it shows that God wants us to be PREPARED in death for those we leave behind. If there is a spouse (and possibly children), we would surely want them to be cared for so they aren’t saddled with huge debts to pay. 1 Timothy 5:8 comes to mind, “But if anyone does not PROVIDE FOR HIS OWN, AND ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE OF HIS HOUSEHOLD, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Again, God is very practical, and His desire is for us to represent Him by providing for the temporal needs of our loved ones. He provides for our needs (see Philippians 4:19) and we should do all we can to have the same care for our family members, especially those living in our own house. This verse speaks of providing for our loved ones while we are alive but it no doubt extends to providing for them after we die and leave this world.

This verse has always spoken to me of another application we can make. We (believers) should have “everything set in order in our spiritual lives.” We read in Amos 4:12, “PREPARE to meet your God!” Are you prepared to die? If you are not saved through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, YOU ARE NOT PREPARED! Jesus said in John 8:24, “If you do not believe that I am He, YOU WILL DIE IN YOUR SINS.” We are all sinners who are dead in trespasses and sins (see Roman 3:23 and Ephesians 2:1). But the Son of God became a Man to take man’s place in death and judgment on the cross so we could be brought to God and put into His family with heaven as our eternal home (John 1:1, 14, Hebrews 2:9; 1 Peter 3:18; John 1:12; John 14:1-3; and 1 Peter 1:3-4). Christ has PREPARED the way for us to be blessed with His salvation. Yet we must PREPARE to meet God by believing He has done all the work on the cross to give us salvation and a home in the Father’s house in heaven. Are you PREPARED to meet your God, dear reader? Have you “set your spiritual life in order by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior” (Acts 16:31).  (DO)  (714.5)