SEARCHLIGHT
Have you made arrangements for your future?
SCRIPTURE
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 were going to die; you will not recover.” 2 Kings 20:1; Isaiah 38:1 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
If you are looking for an inspiring, encouraging devotional for today, this may not be the one. However, if you continue to read, I am pretty sure you are going to say that it was very worthwhile reading and calls for personal, swift action.
The room was dark and quiet. No one was talking. A middle-aged powerful king lay on his bed very sick. Another man, not a doctor but a prophet, came over to him and quietly said, “You are going to die. You are not going to recover so you had better put your house in order.” This was not a prophecy being stated by Isaiah but a somber warning that death was immanent and wisdom called for making plans for the king’s successor.
Wisdom calls today to you and me to make plans regarding death. Today’s Scripture focus emphasizes the importance of setting your house in order. Simply put, this means you should organize your affairs for any upcoming or unforeseen changes in your life. Everyone dies. Everyone needs to prepare for death. Life is unpredictable. No one knows when he or she will die. It could be without warning. An accident could take place and life is over. It could mean being diagnosed as Hezekiah was. The point is clearly this. Do not ignore the fact that life can be uncertain. Do not wait to set your house in order from your deathbed. Do not think because you are young this is not necessary. Prepare today for the future.
When setting your house in order, consider the following:
- Physical tasks - Remember 3 words - sort, discard, arrange. Like many people, you probably own a lot of “stuff.” Sort through it. Decide what to keep. Discard what you do not need. Arrange what you keep and decide what will happen to it when you die.
- Financial planning – Consult with a lawyer. Write a will. Prepare documents. Pay bills. Ensure your assets are clearly stating your wishes.
- Resolve personal issues. Leave earth with no regrets. Forgive or extend forgiveness. Be able to always go to bed every night without holding a grudge.
- Ensure your spiritual well-being. The Bible says “…prepare to meet your God.” Amos 4:12. Include in your will, your personal testimony of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and your spiritual desires for your family. Be personal, loving, and concise.
Billy Graham was one of the most influential Godly men in the 20th and 21st centuries. Graham travelled the world unashamedly preaching the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to millions of people. [Romans 1:16,17] Upon his peaceful death at 99, he was given a significant distinction. Graham became the fourth American who was not an elected official or military to receive the honor of his body lying in the United States Capitol Rotunda. This is typically reserved for Presidents.
Long before his death, BILLY GRAHAM SET HIS HOUSE IN ORDER. Joy Allmond wrote “… he left behind a legacy of service to his Lord through preaching the gospel… But according to his will, …that’s not all there is to his legacy.” In his 16-page will, Graham clearly planned to leave an ongoing statement about his purpose for living and desires for family.
Concerning his children: “I ask my children and grandchildren to maintain and defend at all hazards and any cost of personal sacrifice, the blessed doctrine of complete atonement through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ once offered, and through that alone… I urge all of you to walk with the Lord in a life of separation from the world, and to keep eternal values in view.… When you read this, I will be safely with Jesus in Paradise. I will be awaiting the reunion of our family in heaven.”
Concerning his wife, Ruth Bell Graham, and what they truly valued in life, he wrote, “From the beginning of our marriage, we determined that we would be tithers… We determined not to be preoccupied with material things, which leads to covetousness, and which Scriptures call idolatry.”
The focus of Graham’s last will and testament was more than just distributing material assets. His parting words emphasized the importance of being a born-again Christian. Concerning anyone who would read any part of his last will, Billy Graham wrote, “I urge all who shall read this document to read and study Scriptures daily and to trust only in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation…” [Joy Allmond, editor of Facts and Trends]
SOMETHING TO DO
Now it is your turn to set your house in order? What do you need to do? Answering this question is becoming proactive. Do not delay. Let your legacy continue after your last breath.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Lord Jesus Christ, my desire is to leave a legacy that will bring You, Lord God, honor and glory. Give me the guidance I need to set my house in order. Help me to organize all my affairs whether it be my possessions or the people I dearly love. And let me leave this earth and enter Your presence without any regrets. In Jesus’ name, AMEN