I was recently at lunch with a friend. It was his birthday. While we were eating another friend came up to him, wished him a happy birthday and then commented on the fact he was getting older. Not rocket science to know that but my friends response was interesting. He said, “beats the alternative”. After his friend walked away he looked at me and said, “you know, I’m not so sure how true that is.” That was the exactly right observation. When I was younger I felt it was critical for me to live long enough to get my kids through school, make sure they clearly understood the Gospel and were on their way career wise. In other words, I wanted to know they could care for themselves. After losing my wife in her 40’s it felt even more urgent for me to oversee their growth and survival. Today I’ve seen many unexpected things occur in my life and theirs. I’ve come to realize that while God leaves us here it is imperative we use our days wisely but in the end we really have no control over our next breath let alone tomorrow’s. “When somebody said to a Christian minister, “I suppose you are on the wrong side of fifty?” “No,” he said, “thank God, I am on the right side of fifty, for I am sixty, and am therefore nearer heaven.” (Ironside) If our hearts were right in this matter, instead of being at all afraid at the thought of parting from this life we should say, “Come quickly Lord Jesus”. If you are young I hope your life is long and full of Jesus but if these are your middle or seniorish years I celebrate the nearness of eternity in your story. Today, whatever your age, serve Jesus fully and live in anticipation of eternity. #BeTheEdge
“He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Jesus
