Isaiah 38

If you had been granted a reprieve from imminent death and assured that you would have another 15 years to live, what would you do? Hezekiah prayed (v 9-20). What can we learn from his prayer?

• many (most?) will say that death comes too quickly, that they are being deprived of their lives (v 10)
• sudden death might be preferred over lingering illness (v 12)
• few die willingly, but rather we fight for our lives (v 13-14)
• who among us will submit to the will of God at any time, not to mention in death? (v 15)
• life has its up’s and down’s (v 17).

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God’s chosen one

Psalm 89

I have made a covenant with my chosen (Psalm 89:3)

• I, God
• (by myself and of my own freewill) have made
• a covenant, an agreement, a contractual arrangement

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When God allows trouble

Psalm 44

• Did your father or grandfather ever talk to you about God? (v 1)
• Anything I’ve ever accomplished has been because God provides. (v 3)
• Not my strength or sword, but God saves me. (v 6-7)
• It may be bad business, but God sold His people (into slavery) for nothing. (v 12)

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Preparing for death

2 Kings 20 & Isaiah 38

• Set your house in order; for you will die, and not live. Good advice for everyone who is dying, wouldn’t you say?
• Then Hezekiah prayed. What do you do when you receive bad news?
• Remember me, O Lord. What does God remember about you?
• He wept. Grown men do cry at times.

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