by: Pastor Jose V. Velasco, Jr.
Our Bible Reflection this time is inspired
by our anticipation of the celebration of All Saints’ Day which is November 1.
This is a time to remember the saints. But to Filipinos it is more of
remembering their departed loved ones and friends. So this celebration brings a
bit of nostalgic sadness. It saddens to think that the earthly ties with
departed loved ones is cut forever. But Christ’s followers also share in His
promise to one of the thieves crucified with Him, “you will be with me in
paradise” (Lk. 43). It comforts us that in death we just do not vanish into
nothingness like a vapor.
The Bible gives words that provide hope in facing death. To Paul, to
depart is to be with Christ (Phil. 1:23). In another place he says regarding
death that it is, “to be away from the body and to be with the Lord” (2 Cor.
5:8). Death is only a transition to be with the Lord. We relate this to what
Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would
have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and
prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you
also may be where I am” (Jn. 14:2-3). Some interpret Jesus’ coming back here as
His second and final coming. In addition, others also believe that in the hour
of death Jesus comes to take us to be with Him to His eternal home. I am
inclined to believe this. So, we say with the Psalmist, “Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are
with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4). We sing,
“There’s a land that is fairer than day, And by faith we can see it afar; For
the Father waits over the way, To prepare us a dwelling-place there.”
The
following beautiful words to describe this state of life in paradise are unmatched,
“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be
his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe
every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying
or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Rev. 21:3-4). Shall we
still recognize our loved ones in paradise? In Jesus’ parable of the rich man
and Lazarus, the rich man recognized Lazarus (Lk. 16:23-24). So we shall
recognize all our loved ones and friends over there. Besides it would not make
any sense being there without knowing any one. Heaven should be a place where
bonding of relatives and friends is perfected.
Now
the ultimate most important question is how can we attain this eternal hope?
The Bible gives us a simple answer. By believing
in Jesus Christ (Mk. 16:16; Jn. 3:16, 36; Acts 4:12). But what does this simple
word include?
1) Accept that you
need Christ because you are a sinner (Rom. 3:23).
2) Come to Him and confess your sins for forgiveness (1 Jn. 1:9).
3) Accept His forgiveness and,
4) Live loving Him and obeying His
commands (Jn. 14:1, 23-24).
So you are now a new person in Christ (2 Cor.
5:17). Hopefully, if you do not have this assurance yet the Holy Spirit should
lead you to decide and act to possess it.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for Jesus Christ who is the way to eternal life.
Lead me that by truly believing in Him I may obtain the assurance that in the
life to come I shall be with Him and the triune God eternally. In the name of
our precious Savior Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
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