The concept of an eternal resting place is rather deceptive. When we pass through the portal of life into death, our body goes to the grave for a season, but not for eternity (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Our spirit and soul immediately go to face the judgment seat of Christ to either receive our rewards as authentic Born Again Believers in Jesus, or the eternal death sentence as unbelievers (Ephesians 2:10; John 3:18).
Death is not final for human beings, but the summation of the choices we made while we were alive. In my long lifetime, I had to put a few pets “to sleep” due to their health issues. Our vets always gave them a sedative prior to the shot that released them from their pain and suffering. I also held them as they left this world, and I told them what a good boy or girl they are, as they went peacefully to their final rest.
Of course, I had tears coursing down my cheeks and quivering in my voice, but I can only hope that my presence with them helped them in their last moments. One of our younger cats actually woke me up and put her head in my lap as she surprisingly breathed her final breaths before departing this world.
God never sends judgment without first sending adequate warning to everyone to repent (John 5:24). For instance, Noah preached for 120 years as he also built the huge Ark that could hold the animals and people who dwelled on the earth at that time.
Noah and his extended family are the only ones who complied with God’s advice to get aboard the Ark. They faced ridicule, sarcasm, and taunts from everyone else in their community (1 John 3:13). It is interesting to note that Noah could not open the Ark door once it was closed, because God is the one who shut the door (Genesis 7:16).
Prayer:
Father God, I look forward to our You holding me in my last moments of this finite life, just as I was able to hold my dear cats as they departed this world. Your Word encourages us that when we pass from our body, our soul and spirit immediately stand in Your presence (2 Corinthians 5:8). We will dwell in a building, which You built for us and is not made with human hands. It is eternal in the heavens (2 Corinthians 5:1).
Teach us to believe in the power and healing of the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another according to Your primary principles (1 John 3:23, 4:7-8, 12, 20-21). We desire to abide with the understanding that “in You,” all things and people who humbly come to You for salvation through Jesus Christ, are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 1:16-20). We thank You for giving us this opportunity to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and to enjoy Your salvation both now and for eternity.
Thoughts for the Day:
When we hear or read God’s Word, and believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we have the promise of eternal life and freedom from eternal death caused by sin and worldly philosophies (Ephesians 2:1, 5). We do not experience judgment for our sins, because Jesus already paid that debt for us. We simply pass from the destruction and death of this world into the glorious life in God’s presence and in His eternal Kingdom.
- John 5:24
