Are You Ready?

Recently, I visited a classmate that had just had surgery. He was almost back to his normal self, which for our group still may not have been normal. Anyway, a few days later, I heard he was back in the hospital with an infection. As time went on, he passed away from that infection. It was such a shock. I never imagined that that was possible. We had the funeral today. It was good to catch up with some friends, but I wish it could have been under different circumstances. Last summer, he had sent me a postcard from a trip he and his wife had gone on. Then he had left a message on my machine saying that we should get together just to visit. At the time, I had quite a few things going on and ended up not getting back to him. I regret not having met up with him, especially now that he is no longer around. Don’t take life for granted. We never know when our time will end here on earth. Take a little extra time to be with friends and family. Our length of life is unknown to us. Even more importantly is sharing our faith with others. From what my friend said before he passed, I believe he knew the Lord. The question is, “How many of the people that you know don’t really have a genuine faith in God. One can faithfully go to church without believing that Jesus is the only way. Write an old-fashioned letter and share why Jesus is so important to you. Visit someone that is having a hard time and share how you have found peace in God. Ask them if they know for sure where they are going to be spending eternity and why they believe that. Might they be offended by your questions and your sudden interest in their faith? That is a real possibility. If, however, they die unexpectedly, will you be ok with the fact that you didn’t reach out when you could? I am not trying to guilt you but make it very plain what is at stake. I’d rather someone hate me and make it to heaven than be friends with those in the world and then see them condemned to hell. John 3:18 says that if they don’t believe, they stand condemned already. What does it mean to believe? To know and call out for God’s forgiveness, to know Jesus died for all sins, and that through salvation bought by Jesus, I will live eternally with Him. Do you have that faith? Does everyone in your family have that faith? Who do you need to tell? Father, help us to hear this warning and put it into practice because too many people die without the assurance of heaven. Amen