Sayings

Another accusative saying that can often occur during a heated argument is ‘Put your house in order’. Usually, this phrase is issued in response where an accusation is made by one person against another. But in scripture it is quite different. It’s worth reading the passage found in 2 Kings 20:1-5 that is thought to be the origin of this saying.

‘Hezekiah now became deathly sick, and Isaiah the prophet went to visit him.

“Set your affairs in order and prepare to die,” Isaiah told him. “The Lord says you won’t recover.” Hezekiah turned his face to the wall. “O Lord,” he pleaded, “remember how I’ve always tried to obey you and to please you in everything I do. . . . ” Then he broke down and cried.  So before Isaiah had left the courtyard, the Lord spoke to him again. “Go back to Hezekiah, the leader of my people, and tell him that the Lord God of his ancestor David has heard his prayer and seen his tears. I will heal him, and three days from now he will be out of bed and at the Temple!’ (The Living Bible)

Some of our important choices have a time line. If we delay a decision, the opportunity is gone forever. Sometimes our doubts keep us from making a choice that involves change. Thus an opportunity may be missed.

According to Joshua the sure way to put ones house in order is to serve the Lord, his advice in the those well known words, “as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 There is great truth in the concept that a house is a house is a house--until love comes through the door, and intuitively transforms a house into a very special home.

The Book of Proverbs shows the futility of trying put things in order by ourselves in the verse “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.” Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message.

Jesus in a similar way spoke about putting things right as a priority. In Matthew 5:24 we read, “This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.”

Grant me, Lord my God, intelligence in knowing you, diligence in seeking you, wisdom in finding you, conversation pleasing to you, perseverance in confidently waiting for you, and confidence in finally embracing you. Amen