Isaiah 38:10-20
“But what could I say? For he himself sent this sickness. Now I will walk humbly throughout my years because of this anguish I have felt. Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health. You restore my health and allow me to live! Yes, this anguish was good for me, for you have rescued me from death and forgiven all my sins.”
Isaiah 38:15-17 NLT
What do you do when you KNOW you’re going to die? Not think, but know. Isaiah told Hezekiah, get your stuff together because you ARE going to die! Then, God changed his mind… and added 15 years to his life! “Go back to Hezekiah and 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 add fifteen years to your life, and I will rescue you and this city from the king of Assyria.” Hezekiah wrote these words of realty and humility AFTER he got better. But, it really shook him up. Isaiah loved his king and was heartbroken when Hezekiah finally did pass.
We had a pastor friend just die of Covid last week. I’m still processing the loss, the grief and sadness for his wife, three children and the church he pastored. I reflected on the five stages of grief and found someone who added four stages of hope after grieving. So denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance are the grief stages. But waiting, wailing, weaving and worshipping are the hope stages.
Death, with it’s finality and processes, is hard to experience. Yet, it is also so clarifying, so pure in its ability to face the ultimate letting go. What really matters on your death bed? I’ve been with several who were dying and have been with some upon their departure. In a good, honorable, prepared for eternity death – there is only love. There is only a desire to be surrounded by those you love and those who have loved you well. It’s not just family, it’s also very close friends.
Being with the dying and upon death is as intimate as being in the birthing experience with a mom. It is holy. Time and all earthly, temporary things lose focus, and the pure moments of love are all that exists. There is no time. There is no worry. There is really no fear. It is as though the universe pauses all natural senses and you become part of a calm, quiet void – a transition. It’s so palpable, so real. You almost feel envious and a desire to be pulled along with them as they make their journey, leaving the body and releasing soul and spirit to go on, go over. For the believer it is miraculous and truly a journey of light.
There is NOTHING to fear at that moment! Fear and death and it’s grip on us, lose their hold. There is no sting, no pain, no worry. The living, fear because of loss or the undone or the unknown. But those who are prepared to die, do not fear any of those things.
Hezekiah was there at the edge and God brought him back for another round of life. But he was different because of the experience. He was humbled and more grateful. He saw his place, his station, his purpose in life and lived more in his last 15 years than he had done previous.