Salt And Pepper

Hezekiah (King of Israel) was 35 yrs old when his pastor (the prophet Isaiah) told him to get his affairs in order because he would not recover from his illness. Hezekiah wept and prayed to the Lord. The Lord saw his tears and heard his prayers. He sent Isaiah back to the King to tell him He would answer his prayer and give him 15 more years. II Kings 20.

During those 15 years Hezekiah became very successful. So much so that guests from Babylon came to visit. Hezekiah's pastor returned and asked what his guest saw. Hezekiah replied he showed them every treasure he owned (Pride). Isaiah said the time would come when everything in his home (palace) would be carried off to Babylon including descendants born to him. I have always been amazed about Hezekiah's response to Isaiah. II Kings 20:19 "This message you have given me is good. At least their will be peace and security during my lifetime".

Jan and I were in our early 50s. Our extended family was outgrowing the old farm house during get-togethers. We were using Marv and Carol's cabin some. In 2009 we built a cabin next to our pond for our own family use.  We also prayed God would help us share it with others. It sits just north of a significant hill. The hill where I go talk to God when I'm extra thankful, or extra hurting. Where Jan and I have watched the sunrise on a New Year's Day. Where I have watched fireworks on the 4th of July from multiple communities at the same time. This summer we are repainting and repurposing the cabin to be our home.

God has and continues to bless our family get-togethers. He has also surely answered our prayers about sharing it. Stillwaters Cabin events have included birthdays and anniversaries; family holidays; baptisms in the pond; funerals; school prom photo ops; corporate retreats; board meetings; class trip and reunions; graduation parties; church services; quilting and scrapbooking groups; and helicopter rides.

Yes, we have had visits from hundreds of friends and community; multiple governor candidates; a presidential candidate with his family; an army general; company CEOs; and civic leaders. We have also hosted homeless because of a flood or fire. The cabin has had multiple celebration of life services for folks who took their own life. And my father's funeral visitation was here during covid.

Mordecai's family had been among those exiled to Babylon 300 yrs after Hezekiah's reign in Israel. Esther 2:6. Mordecai adopted his young cousin Esther when her parents died. Esther, a Jew, became queen of Persia. Haman (a powerful government official) hated Mordecai because he refused to bow down to him; and made a plot to kill all Jews including Mordecai on March 7 of the following year. Esther 3:13. Mordecai wept, fasted 3 days, and asked his cousin (Queen Esther) to intervene (For such a time as this). Esther 4:14

As per King Xerxes orders, and God's intervention, wicked Haman was told to honor Mordecai. Esther 6:11. Haman ended up being hung on the very gallows he had built to kill Mordecai. The king issued a decree on June 25 and the Jews were saved. Esther 8:9. Mordecai was promoted to Prime Minister. His fame spread throughout the land. And he became a powerful person. Very few people in the Bible handled success and prominence well. Mordecai was an exception. Esther 10:3 "Mordecai was held in high esteem among the Jews, because he continued to work for the good of his people and speak up for their welfare".

Salt is a common mineral that brings out the flavor and good in others; while pepper is a spice that has it's own flavor and qualities. There is nothing wrong with pepper. I like it. I even take the lid off in restaurants when using it. Shaking pepper with the lid on is an effort in futility. Hezekiah was pepper. Mordecai was salt. It take both to bring out the most in a meal. Live distinctly and be the pepper. Live intentionally and be the salt. Bring out the best in yourself. And then, with God's help, bring out the best in others. Thanks for the picture.