What would you do if someone said that the only way you could live would be if you allowed the doctor to cut off your leg? Most would say, “Git to cutting doc!”
What if you were told that your colon would have to be removed or you would surely die? Most would say, “Take that sucker out!”
What if you were 92 years old, had Parkinson’s, had outlived two wives from thirty plus year marriages, were alone most of the time, confined to a wheelchair, lived in an assisted living home, experienced pain constantly from your disease, and were barely ambulatory and faced those questions?
There is more to life than breathing, no?
My father is in bad shape again and in ICU. Last time his doctor told him (and me), that they might have to remove his leg. We told him in no uncertain terms that his leg would not be removed and it wasn’t.
Now another doctor is telling him that his colon might have to be removed in order to eliminate the internal bleeding that he is experiencing. Nope, his colon will remain, and if there is no other way to stop the bleeding, then I suppose God will take him home, (where he wants to go).
Sometimes modern medicine takes it too far and that is why dad (and I) both have “living wills”.
I taught a Bible study class recently and indicated that the Bible tells us that God has three parts, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Though we are not the same as God, we are comprised of three parts too; we have a soul, (mind), spirit, (spiritual body) and physical body. Hebrews 4:12 alludes to this in the following verse and I have emphasized the reference: For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing SOUL AND SPIRIT, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
So when death is experienced our mortal body dies and our immortal souls and Spirits are released to God. The Bible tells us that, “It is appointed to man once to die and after that the judgment”. If you have been “born again”, then there is nothing to fear at judgment. If not, there is plenty to fear, because you will be eternally separated from God and all good things forever.
My father is “born gain” and is anxiously awaiting the release of his immortal soul and spirit from his worn out old mortal body. He will inhabit a new “glorified” body that will never grow old or experience sickness, pain, or disease. He will walk with Jesus in the cool of the evenings like Adam did and experience and learn wonderful things; there will be no heartache, grief, sadness, suffering, or sin; heck he won’t even get the sniffles or a common cold. Dad will inhabit his very own beautiful mansion especially prepared for him by his Father and walk on streets of shining gold, and oh what a reunion it will be when he sees all of those who have gone on before him. I can only imagine hearing the glorious praise emanating from an angelic choir and celestial symphony singing and praising God.
No Christian should ever dread it when Jesus calls them home. We should always remember that God created us for fellowship, and He wants to spend time with us too.
With that said it is in my opinion that no Christian should want to make that trip prematurely. In fact I’m certain it is a black sin to pray for or wish for death, and/or the Rapture; (something I admit to doing myself on far too many occasions in the past).
Huh?
Consider that if Jesus Christ came today, billions of people would spend eternity in hell where they will suffer forever. Jesus doesn’t want that, and no person who can legitimately be called an adopted son or daughter of God could possibly want that to happen either.
Jesus has charged us with the responsibility of preaching the Gospel and making disciples of every nation and will not be content until every person on this planet has heard the word preached and they have made their decision to either choose or reject the only living Son of God who gave Himself as a sacrifice in order that we might have life.
We were created for God’s purpose and not our own and we are ALL charged with being a witness for Jesus Christ. Don’t selfishly long for the return of Christ; rather work hard right up until that trumpet blast in order that God’s word may be heard by one and all.
Remember that the Lord does not desire that even one person perish, but for ALL to come to repentance. If that is His spirit then how much more so should we emulate Him? He is patiently awaiting the precise time to return for His church. The Bible is clear as to when it will happen: “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will see visions; your old men will dream dreams. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
So if you want to see the Rapture, pray that every nation will hear the word of God preached and better yet join the effort to make it happen . . . Until then be patient like the Lord . . .
I appreciate any prayers for my father’s comfort and that he does
not suffer . . .
2 Peter 3:8
But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
January 22, 2014 – Click here to listen