WATCHWORD:
Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. John 11:25
Meditation:
Do we fear death? With some frequency, you may hear of people who, due to incurable illness, age, pain or loss of faculties, say they are “Ready to go.” They wish to leave this vale of tears. They may say they “long to be with Jesus”.
I have a friend who is not in good health, has lost the spouse, and has expressed that very wish, to be with Jesus. This person has the will made out, funeral planned, all bills paid, insurance in place, and has said goodbye to those important in their life.
I cannot walk in another’s shoes, or feel their pain, or know their thoughts. From our standpoint, it is hard to fully understand what is going on in their lives, or how their mind is working. The only gauge is our own, and the comparison is foggy, at best.
Within our circle of friends, in this devotional network, we are believers in Christ. There is only one litmus test, the Resurrection. Without that, the Holy Bible has meaning only as literature. But, as Christians, we are human and there are differences in where we place value and importance in our Walk, under the blessings of the Resurrection.
So, what is our position on being “ready to go” or “long to be with Jesus”?
What do you say to a friend who, because of circumstances, both physical and mental, reaches that point in life? That is hard. Pray and listen to what is God telling you. Maybe it isn’t something you ‘say’ to that friend so much as ‘be’. Be present, be company, be a listener.
CS Lewis, in The Problem of Pain, tells us that “There have been times when I think I do not desire heaven; but, more often I find myself wondering whether, in our heart of hearts, if we have ever desired anything else.” Longing to be with Jesus is a sacred thing.
One of the banes in a court of law are two or more witnesses. Each saw the same thing, yet their stories vary, maybe significantly. Have you noticed that books you love are bound together by a secret, hard to define thread? You know very well what that quality is that makes you love them, yet putting that into words is difficult, and your friends may not see it at all. “You’ll love this book…” and you slog through it wondering why they thought you would love it. Differences. You both love books, but…
This Christian faith of ours, lays before us in vivid and varied colors, yet founded upon the Resurrection. We say, and we mostly believe, that we do not fear death. We just don’t want to go now. We may not fear death, but we probably fear the process of dying. I have witnessed that transition, personally, painfully, sadly, and I do fear that process. In my case, her prayers and mine were answered.
In our heart of hearts do we desire heaven? I am with Lewis on this. More and more I find comfort, calmness and peace in the knowledge that I am an alien in a foreign land, but I have a blessed destination, guaranteed by the Blood of the Lamb.
Years ago, I was a member of the Christian Life Committee at a university. At our first meeting, we shared glimpses of our faith journey. I spoke of the Resurrection and its meaning for me, including eternal life. When it was his turn, the Jewish member of the committee, pointed to me and said, “I wish I had that belief…” To which I simply said, “It’s free!” Later, we talked.
My heart, my prayers, my thoughts do go out to those who do not have the Resurrection and the promise in their lives, and my faith tells me to keep planting seeds. Amen.
Stan
Bulletin Board:
Gentle Folks, Nancy Jamerson, wife of Larry, member of this network and our Bible group, was taken to the Wabash hospital very early Sunday morning, then transferred to Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. Please keep Nancy and Larry in your prayers.
How about an Irish smile — After church one fine Sunday morning Paddy stopped to shake Father O’Reilly’s hand? Paddy said, “Preacher, I’ll tell you, that was a damned fine sermon. Damned good!’ Father O’Reilly replied, “Thank you Paddy, but I’d rather you didn’t use profanity, we are in the house of our Lord.” Paddy said, “Sorry Father, but I was so damned impressed!” “Please Paddy,” said Father O’Reilly, “no more profanity!” “Right you are Father,” said Paddy, “but I was so impressed that I put $10,000 in the collection plate.” To which Father O’Reilly replied, “Well I’ll be damned!”
Closing Prayer:
Lord, Almighty God, you are our Father and we are your children, who want to live for you through Jesus Christ our Lord. Strengthen and renew our hearts. When discouragement and fear try to mislead us, may your Holy Spirit help us again and again to hold fast, for no matter what difficulties arise, your will is being done and your will is good. Your name will be honored. Your kingdom will come for all nations. Your reign will come over all peoples, for they are all yours and must acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Lord.
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us – so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations (Psalm 67:1–2). Amen.
