15 July 2022

In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover.’ Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall, and prayed to the Lord: ‘Remember now, O Lord, I implore you, how I have walked before you in faithfulness with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.’ And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

From Isaiah 38:1-6,21-22,7-8, NRSV

In today’s reading we hear the heartfelt plea of King Hezekiah as he faced death. Hezekiah was a young man whose territory was under threat of siege by the Assyrians. He was not ready to face death or to leave his people to cope with the danger that threatened them. We are told that h is prayer was answered and he was given another fifteen years of life. Not only was his life spared but the city of Jerusalem was spared for many more years. Hezekiah made good use of the additional time he was given and was remembered not only as a great king but also as a man of prayer and faithfulness.

• • Why do you think Hezekiah’s life was spared?
  • What difference would it make if you were to know your time of death? 

Pray today for those who are facing death and for those who accompany them on this journey.