Some firsts are pleasant, even exciting, like a baby's first step or first word.
Others are not, like the first time someone close to you dies or the first time tragedy strikes in it's many different forms.
A dear man, who has a very gentle loving heart experienced a first, the first time someone had died while he was there.
He's not in the medical field and it was obvious this first struck deeply.
Yet, despite his sorrow at the passing of the person, he could smile with tears in his eyes.
The Lord had used him.
He had been able to pray with the family present and comfort as best as possible.
What he never mentioned through out the brief conversation was self-pity, his own grief, nothing negative was present at all.
This person who died had been part of his family.
My heart hurt for this man and his family, but his words at the beginning of the conversation stuck with me, "Well, that was a first."
"It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools." Ecc. 7:1-5
Whether loss of a loved one is a first or not, each one should look upon it with gravity.
Death is an end to life on earth, but it is a beginning to eternity.
For those who have not accepted the forgiveness of God through the blood of Jesus Christ for remission of their sins, it is unerringly a serious and sobering beginning.
Scripture is very clear that those who reject God and His salvation, or put God off, waiting till they have time or "experienced" life, they are choosing separation for eternity.
"And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matt. 24:51
Which is why God went to such great lengths to redeem those that would call upon His name, humble themselves, and be saved.
"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31
What a great and awesome God!
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." John 3:16-18
If you have yet to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, please, don't put it off, don't get distracted, realize the seriousness of eternity and the incredible gift of salvation offered, because Christ chose to die to save you. You are important to Him. He loves you far more than anyone and He desires to have you enjoy eternity in His presence. If you would like to accept the Lord as your Savior, please stop and pray right now.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You so much for Your Word! What a blessing it is to read the truth of the future and be able to find the gift of salvation through Your Word! Lord, I lift up those who have yet to accept You as their Lord and Savior. Please continue to draw them to Yourself and open their understanding that they might realize the importance of accepting and following You. Lord, please help those who have already accepted You not to be swayed by the cares of this world to waste the precious time they have here on earth, for no one knows the day or time of their death. Lord Jesus, I lift up the gentle man who lost a family member and those who were touched by this loss. Please continue to comfort and encourage. Thank You for placing him there at that time and that moment that he could be used by You. Lord, please be with those who are nearing the end of their journey here on earth. Please let them rest in Your salvation or if they have yet to know You soften their hearts, open their minds, and let them find the peace that surpasses all understanding. Lord, for the mockers, the scorners, for those who stiffly refuse to admit You are and what You have done, please make it apparent. Let them not pass without a final opportunity to hear the truth of Your incredible love. Thank You. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment