As Hezekiah ...

In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore. Then came the word of the LORD to Isaiah, saying, Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years. (Isaiah 38:1-5 KJV)

A church member went home to be with our Lord this past Tuesday. His faith had been evident, expressed openly to all who would hear his witness. His trust in the Lord did not waver, nor did his gratitude.

Almost five years ago the terminal cancer diagnosis included a prognosis of six months, maybe a bit more. As with Hezekiah, he was told to set his house in order. As did Hezekiah, he prayed – we know not the words – and so did his family and his church.

Our prayers were for God’s will to be done first and foremost, but healing and longevity were requested. He was, and we all are, grateful for those additional years with his grandchildren, his children, his beloved wife.

He is missed already, but this Saturday his life and his faith will be celebrated by those who love him and know that his Lord provided answers to all of the prayers. We appreciate the time, we appreciate the knowledge that he is now home.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24 KJV)