J.A. Matteson
The days of our habitation upon the earth are known only to God. Presumption is sin, and assuming length of days is folly as only the LORD knows what today holds. "In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, 'Thus says the LORD, Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live'" (Isa. 38:1). For the wise who have built their house on the Rock the news is not earth shattering and by grace they gently and with blissful anticipation prepare to meet their Redeemer. To the unwise who have built their house on the sand the news often creates despair and fear. Hezekiah's tears were not those of despair and fear but those of a contrite heart painfully aware of personal sin and failure to perfectly walk in a manner pleasing to the LORD. The king did not ask for more time, but that the LORD would be merciful to him, a sinner. The kindness of the LORD bestowed what he did not ask for and in the fullness of time he came face to face with his Redeemer.
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