Published by It is Sunday night as I write this, reflecting back on today. Today I was blessed to be able to attend two wonderful church services, hearing a great Sunday school lesson, two rousing sermons, and the inspiring songs of praise that go along with the services. Between services, I was privileged to spend several hours with my grandson (and we got to take him to church, too!) just enjoying him. Yes, today was indeed a good day for me. But that was not the case at all on September 20, 1977. Thirty-two years ago today my dad died from stomach cancer at the age of 29. More often than not, this day of the year is not one that I think of as a good. Today was, for the most part, an exception though.
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When I think of loved ones that have left this life there are some that I know without a doubt where they are right now. And I know that someday I will see and be reunited with them. My Papaw and my Granny, for example, are two of the dearest people that have ever been in my life and I know that I will be reunited with them one day. It pains me to not have this knowledge about my dad though. Overall, he was a ‘good person’, but ‘good people’ don’t necessarily get into Heaven, only those that have placed their trust in Jesus alone and live for His glory, not their own, make it there. In other words, ‘good people’ die and go to hell every day. I don’t know which side of eternity, so to speak, my dad is on and may never know; if he isn’t in Heaven when I get there I don’t believe that I’ll know anything about his destiny. I do have a hope that Dad placed his trust in Jesus in the lastdays of his life. But I wish I had more than just a hope, more of a solid knowledge.
I know that if the Lord sees fit to take me tonight I’ll see Jesus. And I’ll be reunited with Papaw and Granny. My family, friends and other loved ones can also know that if I leave this world right now, they will have the chance to see me again in Heaven with my Lord. But they will have to do their part in order for that to happen. They, too, have to have their fellowship with God restored. And there is only one way to do that and know your eternal destiny: Repent of your sins and place your total trust in Christ. And then live for Him, submit to Him and do His will, following God’s Word, in their life.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
(Hebrews 12:2a; Acts 4:12)
Lovely story, finding comfort at church and hearing the words that Jesus spoke, puts light on each and every day.
Yes one day we must all depart, and we hope to be reunited with everyone we have lost, be that of the Power of our Lord and Savior.