Jesus takes us home

Monday, January 29, 2018

Jesus takes us home at just the right time. 

Not too soon. 

Not too late. 

His timing is perfect. 

I said goodbye to a friend today. We weren’t much more than acquaintances really. But I have mixed emotions about his death. 

When we first met it didn’t take long for me to realize that we didn’t have very much in common. But I made the choice to befriend him anyway. And through our many conversations I was able to determine beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was not a Christian — and had no interest in things of the Lord. Still I extended love and acceptance to him and tried to point him to God. 

I had no idea he was sick. So when a mutual friend called to tell me of his death last week, I was stunned. I had a terrible pit in my stomach because I feared for his eternal soul. 

At the funeral home today I was able to speak with the pastor who will be doing the funeral tomorrow. He told me about how his parents had been praying for him and talking to him about the Lord these past few weeks. He also shared that one day about a week before his death, my friend made peace with God. The pastor was very encouraging — that he was actually in heaven now. 

This made me happy and sad. Sad that he was unable to enjoy life on earth by developing a personal relationship with the Lord. Happy that he now has eternity with Him. 

LORD, thank you for the forgiveness you give at the moment we confess our sins. Thank you that we don’t have to do anything to earn our way into your kingdom. Thank you that my friend is with you now. Give peace to his family.