Devotionals for October 5, 2023

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2 Kings 20:4-6

4 But before Isaiah had left the middle courtyard, this message came to him from the Lord: 5 “Go back to Hezekiah, the leader of my people. Tell him, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your ancestor David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will heal you, and three days from now you will get out of bed and go to the Temple of the Lord. 6 I will add fifteen years to your life, and I will rescue you and this city from the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my own honor and for the sake of my servant David.’”

Ephesians 5:15-17

15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.  

Here is this godly king facing death in his middle years. Without hesitation, Hezekiah turned to God, full of emotion, and prayed. He prayed for God to heal him. Hezekiah’s cry out to God tells us that he had a personal relationship with God, and he had faith in God to physically heal him. God heard Hezekiah’s prayer, and in His mercy, God gave Hezekiah 15 more years on earth. Just like Hezekiah, when God heals our physical bodies from sickness and disease, our days are still numbered.

So, the question is, what do we do with the days on earth God has given us? Every day we have is a gift from God. Every day is an opportunity to live with intention and thoughtfulness, making the most of every opportunity. This is what really matters. Jesus narrowed down this truth so clearly in Matthew 22 when he was asked, “Which is the greatest commandment in the law?” I have a feeling no one expected Jesus’ simple, yet impactful answer. The greatest command is to love the Lord with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. Secondly, love your neighbor as yourself.

Q: How has Hezekiah’s faith encouraged you?

Q: What will you do differently with your numbered days to live with intention and thoughtfulness, making the most of every opportunity to love God and love others?

Q: What would you like your epitaph to be? What does that look like now?

"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."

Lord, make my life a holy and living sacrifice, fully defined by You and Your perfect will.