2Ki 20:1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.

Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. Isaiah the prophet said to him: "Thus says the LORD: “Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover”” (v.1). What does it mean to set one’s house in order? It means Hezekiah is to make his will, choose his successor, and settle the affairs of his family and kingdom. Hezekiah cried unto the LORD. He was still young and he did not want to die. God gave him 15 more years. Hezekiah had 15 years to set his house in order before his eventual death (v.1-6). Question: Did Hezekiah set his house in order during the 15 years extension of his life? Two significant events tell us he did not set his house in order. 1. During the 15 years, his life was lifted up with pride. The Scripture wrote of him: “But Hezekiah rendered not again according to the benefit done unto him; for his heart was lifted up” (2 Chronicles 32:25). He became exceeding rich and had much gold, jewels, cattle and sheep, and much corn and oil in his store houses (2 Chronicles 32:27, 28). Worldly riches tend to induce pride in most men. When the king of Babylon sent spies from Babylon to search out Jerusalem and the kingdom of Hezekiah, Hezekiah was much too glad to show them all the riches in his kingdom: “There was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not” (v.13). How foolish! Isaiah told Hezekiah that everything he had showed them, they would come and take all and nothing would be left (v.17). Pride! You moved into a posh mansion and invite all your friends to come and see. Pride! You bought a brand new posh car and move round the city to show everyone. Pride! You bought a five figure sum handbag and show it to the other women at the party. Hezekiah showed off his riches like anyone. The underlying reason is pride. God hates a proud heart: “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD” (Proverbs 16:5a). The way to deal with riches is to acknowledge they are from God and be thankful for them (1 Thessalonians 5:18). 2. In those 15 years Hezekiah brought forth the most ungodly king in the history of Israel; his name was Manasseh. Manasseh filled Jerusalem with innocent blood; which the LORD would not pardon (2 Kings 21:16). The result of Hezekiah’s 15 years brought forth Manasseh, and the result of Manasseh’s sin brought forth Nebuchadnezzar from Babylon. What a disastrous 15 years! Hezekiah did not bring up his son in the ways of the LORD. Perhaps he had been spending too much time accumulating riches to the neglect of his house. He failed to set his house in order. Parents, take heed: Your children are more important than your riches. You don’t have to worry they cannot pay for their homes and food. Somehow, they will manage. They will make enough money to raise their family. Your most important work is to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of God (Ephesians 6:4). You should be more concerned about their eternal home than the earthly one. God was remarkably kind to Hezekiah, telling him that his death was near. Not all people are given the time to set their houses in order. Make use of your remaining time and set your house in order.