“It is appointed unto all men to die.” - Hebrews 9:27
‘The Lord’s loved ones are precious to Him; it grieves Him when they die.”
- Psalm 116:15
Several years ago I had the pleasure of meeting a successful college graduate student who was the son of a quite successful father.
This young man, his parents and whole family had lived in quite a few countries around the world while growing up. His father’s life work and career had made him a key player in the international oil business. The dad had once said to his boy, “The world is run by 100 men, son. And I know them all.” Quite a statement.
But I can do this, one better.
The world may actually be run by only a select group of individuals. And they may be extremely powerful. But I know the One who yanks even their chains. And He is active today in our world. He shows His love in many ways.
He can even help us to die well.
Several years ago my Dad died and went to be with God. Many of you have probably already buried a parent. It is very hard.
But it was such a blessing to be with him when he died.
When I first ran into the ICU and saw him, I said, “Dad, I don’t think we are gonna get out of this one.” And he smiled and agreed. We then called all his sons up on the phone, one by one, and he smiled and wept as he listened to each of his boys say how much they loved him.
And to also say good-bye.
After those conversations, I asked him if he was afraid. He got a little mad at that point and shook his head, then looked me straight on and said, “Of course not.”
“Are you eager to meet your Savior, Dad?” I asked.
He squeezed my hand pretty hard, smiled, relaxed, as a tear rolled down his cheek and answered, “Yes, I am!”
Those were his last words. Dad fell asleep. We couldn’t rouse him later and a few hours after that he passed on.
I think God is active today. I believe He answers prayers. My prayer was that God would be gentle with my Dad and help him to die well.
He did this for my dad and for his whole family.
God is even active when we see death. He is working to get our attention and to remind us of life’s certain truths.
"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." - 2 Peter 3:9
Jesus lived and walked on this rock, just twenty, short, centuries ago. And He really, truly, did come back from the dead to reveal to mankind, that He is God. And therefore we can know with absolute conviction here in the fall of 2002, that He is alive and still very much active today. This is the logical, step-by-step, truth of our faith.
"And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:26,28
"For the LORD will vindicate His people, And will have compassion on His servants; When He sees that their strength is gone." - Deuteronomy 32:36
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