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.’ ” Isaiah 38:1
It is appointed for each and every one of us to die; then comes the judgment. Whether we are to stand before the Bema Seat or the Great White Throne, and irregardless of our opinions, philosophies, religious beliefs or unbeliefs, we all have a destiny and shall cross over from life to death as sure as the sun rises and sets. That this fate is an absolute certainty no serious thinking person deigns to deny.
The gospel of Christ alone offers remedy to humanity’s fallen condition, His resurrection from the dead promising life to all who trust in Him. Yet, to cite C.S. Lewis as well as the Apostle Paul, such “crude salvationism” is an affront to the wise ones of this and every age, a worldview offensive and outdated to those who nevertheless endeavour to enjoy all the pleasures and blessings the Maker has graciously bestowed. It is no exaggeration to deem such worship of the creation but not the Creator as parasitic, a drawing of the life force from the Host with no thought or intention of either acknowledgment or gratitude.
In reflecting upon these immense concepts and eternal truths, the word given by Isaiah to King Hezekiah – “Set your house in order” – is both pertinent and urgent. Especially since 2020, when a major paradigm shift in “normalcy” (for lack of a better term) ushered all nations into a “new normal,” the contents of a veritable Pandora’s box have been unleashed upon humanity. What with the pervasiveness of mass social media, most everyone has been exposed and affected by the influencers of the 21st century zeitgeist.
“Set your house in order.” The Spirit has laid this admonition heavily on my heart, and I’ve striven to seek the Lord diligently for direction in leaving no stone unturned. I had in recent years written to my children and other family members, seeking forgiveness for my many sins and shortcomings. Preparing my will and ordering my estate (such as it is) was but a minor aspect; imperative to setting things right were my relationships, and if possible, to be reconciled, and at the very least to both forgive and seek to be forgiven.
This involved writing letters, emails, and occasionally conversations. Sometimes monetary amends were necessary. Mostly it was my asking forgiveness, as well as to express appreciation and honour to those whose paths had over the years intersected with mine, and who made deep and enduring impressions. In short, it is to express to these dear ones, “I love you.”
Reconciliation and reconnection are not always tenable, as with the old adage, “It takes two to tango.” Grievously, in some cases, the disconnect appears permanent. I have barely spoken to my brothers since our mother’s passing in 2018 (the younger of the two made a strong point of disowning me). I think of fellow believers back east who have effectively shunned me (for which I own a measure of responsibility) and lament the loss of contact with two couples in Kelowna, one which I was once very close with, the other which I connected with at her father’s funeral, both of whom I’ve lost touch with (which, in my Irish Catholic guilt-addled ideation, is likely due to something I said or did, didn’t say or didn’t do, or, or, or …).
Moreover, there are misunderstanding with fellow believers at my church which seem unlikely to be resolved, try as I might, this side of heaven. Yet truth be told, it is not always the case that people are thinking ill of us, at least not as badly as we imagine. More often than not, they are not thinking of us at all! Busy lives, family ties, home fires, financial struggles, personal crises and tragedies – all these and more beleaguer every soul born into Adam’s race, no exceptions.
Subsequently, it is so crucial to one’s well-being to hold to a healthy perspective, to be strong in the grace that is Christ Jesus by which we stand. “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” We are exhorted to forgive, just as we have been forgiven. Where doable, we must reach out to those we need to make things right with, willing to make the first move. When this is not plausible, the secret weapon and power of prayer is ours, to boldly lift up before the throne of grace those who, for whatever reason, we have lost contact with, and from the depths of our being speak their names and uplift their souls unto the One who hears and takes seriously our petitions on their behalf.
With wars and rumours (literally, threats) of war intensifying and upheaval across all spectrums of civilization increasing, the time is now to set our houses in order. Lord, grant us courage and wisdom to entrust to you our deepest heart’s cry. Amen and maranatha!
June 20th, 2025 (my 64th birthday)
