Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Life. So often it is something that we simply assume will be there. We walk through each day thinking about what is taking place and how we will get to the next step. We just don’t think about the life we are living as something that is approaching the end.
In recent days many have approached the end of life as we know it. Each step for them has been difficult and we wonder how they faced that time with the peace in which they did. Many have walked through that time with confidence that took them from the bed of affliction to that which was prepared for them.
As I sit with a family talking about the loss they have experienced my heart is heavy. I want them to know that there is something beyond this life that is there for all who have trusted Christ as their Savior. Yet, I know that they are struggling with the loss of one who has been a part of their lives.
Every time I am with a family of one we trust is with the Lord, I want to encourage them and hopefully bring some peace. It isn’t always what I say, but what they remember about what their loved one said concerning their leaving this life.
Some have said that they know in their heart that when they leave this life, they will be at home with the Lord. Others will say that they will finally have the peace as they have prayed to Christ in their heart. And some will simply thank the Lord for walking with them as they walked through the pain they experienced.
As I think about this, I am reminded of what Jesus said to the disciples as He shared with them concerning His coming death and the struggles they were experiencing. He sought to bring them peace. So He said in John 14:1-3 –
“Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
Jesus wanted his disciples to know that what was going to take place was not going to be the end. He wanted them to know that He was going ahead of them to prepare them a place. He also wanted them to know that He was not going to leave them alone.
He told them in John 14:16-17 – “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you.”
Jesus didn’t say that we wouldn’t face trials in life. He simply said that He would be with us. We must remember what He said in John 14:27 just before they left where He was sharing with them. He said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, not let it be fearful.”
I know that life can be tough, but I also know that our Lord has promised His peace and His presence in the midst of all that takes place. In the midst of the trials just trust Jesus and remember He will take you home. Like a board that Bro. Eugene made says – “Gone to Dad’s house to get your room ready. Be back shortly. Love Jesus.”
JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, there IS something about that name!!
Christ only, always,
Bro. Paul
Brother Paul Nachtigall is the preacher at Highland Baptist Church. He can be reached at bropaul@centramedia.net.
