Open House

About 2500 years ago King Hezekiah received some bad news. The prophet Isaiah told him to get his things in order because he was not going to recover from his illness. Hezekiah prayed and prayed and the Lord gave him another 15 years of life.

  

After his remarkable recovery some folks from Babylon came to visit him. It says he took credit for his success, opened up his house, and showed them everything he owned. He forgot to acknowledge God for his recovery and success.

Isaiah came back and asked Hezekiah who had come and what they had seen. Hezekiah proudly remarked that folks had come from a far away country just to see him and that he had showed them all his possessions. That was Hezekiah's first open house and he failed to give God credit.

When we open our homes and lives to outsiders what do they see? Do our homes and lives show others we trust in Christ? Do we give God and others credit for our accomplishments? It's such a temptation to try and impress and win the admiration of others. 

Back to Hezekiah. Isaiah told him the same folks that had visited him were coming back later to take away all his treasures and descendants. Hezekiah's answer was an open house to his heart and he failed once again. He said , O well, at least it won't happen in my life time. He had no concern for what happened after he was gone.

My farmer friend and fellow church brother left this life after his heart attack and is now with his Savior and other friends his age who have gone before him including Steve, Marcus, and Fish. Leon's life showed who and what was important to him.

I served with Leon in church council and had just been on home visiting with him a couple of months ago. At our visits he would always ask and have a concern about other's family life as well as spiritual life.

Leon had a special place in his heart for young people and loved being a youth elder. He always made sure to take time for the kid's youth group events such as their waffle supper.

He made time to go on work trips with our churches teenagers. He not only had carpenter skills, he also had a way to make the outsiders feel welcome and useful.

On this trip parents are standing around their kids and leaders as Leon prays just before they leave to help a community with storm damage.

 

Leon and Lana were Sunday school teachers for the 4 year olds including three of my grandchildren. On the last Sunday in January Leon gave a children's message to these kids after they had finished singing.

I don't think the children will soon forget what Leon told them about Jesus. I don't think the rest of the church will either. Hezekiah was given extra time and forgot about God. Let's remember Leon's example and work at the important things while we are able.