REST IN PEACE
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These words have been repeated in thousands of graveyared all
over the world TODAY. But these words, uttered solomnly by a
priest, minister, or religious leader, fail to bring comfort to
the broken - hearted families and friends who stand weeping at
the graveside of their loved one.
The reality is that those who have been laid to rest had not
planned to be buried TODAY. In fact, many of them had long - term
plans made concerning the rest of their lives. They had
aspirations, and most of them felt secure concerning the future.
This reminds us of the man Jesus tells us about in Chapter 12
of Luke's Gospel. That man, who had no thought for, or interest
in what God would do, said: "This is what I'll do. I will
tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store
all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself: You have
plenty of good things laid up FOR MANY YEARS. Take life easy;
eat, drink, and be merry.' "
He had made great plans, and was certainly looking forward to
MANY YEARS of ease and comfort. But although he had been very
careful to make preparations for a long, comfortable life, he had
made no preparations at all concerning his death. Obviously, he
expected to live for MANY YEARS, so even if he realised his need
to get right with God, he probably felt there was no urgency. He
would put it off until a later date. There was still plenty of
time. Or so he thought!
What a shock it must have been when God said to him: "You
fool, THIS VERY NIGHT your life will be demanded from you."
Time had run out, and now it was too late.
But the reality of what God said to this man concerns not only
him, but all of us. This is highlighted in the following verses
of Scripture: "What man can live and not see death, or save
himself from the power of the grave" "..And as it is
appointed unto maen once to die, but after this the
judgement.." "..So, no - one has power over the day of
his death."
For many people TODAY is the last day of their lives. TODAY is the very last opportunity they will ever get to have their sins forgiven and to get right with God. The following verses from God's Word highlight the urgency of the situation: TODAY, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts." " In the time of my favour I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you, NOW is the time of God's favour, NOW is the day of salvation.
CHERITH GOSPEL OUTREACH,
EMAIL - Israel@esatclear.ie