Marge Bonnell is a sweet lady in our church. On Saturday she said a final good-bye to James, her 85 year old younger brother. I didn’t know James, but from all accounts he knew and loved God and cherished His promises.
I went to the funeral to support Marge, but her words strengthened me.
“James left the land of the dying to be in the land of the living.”
Marge is right. The world is the land of the dying.
If it’s not illness, trauma or old age, Roseburg is evidence that my faith in Christ could cause my death. And the thought has me scrambling for the Father’s perspective.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.'” Galatians 3:13
“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24
Perhaps you too are trying to make sense of what’s going on around you. If you trust Christ for the substitution of His perfect life for your sinful one, remember these promises.
If not, it may be time to seek the Father’s mercy and grace in humble repentance that you too can look forward to taking up residence in the land of the living.
May His power cause His peace to infiltrate your heart and mind and indwell your soul.
If this post encouraged you, please share it to encourage someone else. Thank you.
all references NIV1984 unless otherwise noted
Sandra, this is a great post and a wonderful perspective on what we prepare for our entire life. I love this– “James left the land of the dying to be in the land of the living.”!! My cousin died this morning. I’ll share this with his family. Thank you.
I love Marge’s comments, and I marveled at the peace she displayed even in sadness. I sometimes think the tragedies of this world ONLY make sense if there is “more to life than this.” Thinking of the younger people who died on the cargo ship this week as well….how sad and yet there is much more (much more that is far better) for those who are in Christ. And since we do not know exactly how long we have on this planet, I agree Sandra – TODAY is the day to seek Him and begin enjoying that peace ourselves.