OzThoughts – Tuesday 12th May, 2009

OzThoughts – Tuesday 12th May, 2009

It is great to observe people who are at peace because Jesus has given them peace.

A few months ago a Christian went to be with his Lord. I have forgotten his name but I have not forgotten what he said to me as I visited him in hospital. In fact, I met him on several of his stays in the hospital and each time he said the same thing.

He told me that a number of the doctors had tried to tell him how much longer he had to live. He continued to tell me that his reply was “Do not talk such nonsense. There is no way you know when I will go. The only one who knows is my Father in Heaven and when he wants me he will take me”.

This was not denial. This was evidence of preparation. He said in various ways “I am ready, when His time comes”.

The last time he told me that was just a day before God took him home. I have often thought about the wonderful peace and assurance this man had through his Saviour, Jesus. I have found many Christians who have had the same assurance and peace but they have not expressed it in just the same way.

Jesus faced his death calmly with peace. He knew the end was very near and he knew his Disciples would have a rough time. He assured them he would give them his peace and they would find peace in the fact he would not leave them abandoned when he went to his Heavenly Father.

John 14:27-31 (The Message)
27 I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught.
28 "You've heard me tell you, 'I'm going away, and I'm coming back.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I'm on my way to the Father because the Father is the goal and purpose of my life.
29-31 "I've told you this ahead of time, before it happens, so that when it does happen, the confirmation will deepen your belief in me. I'll not be talking with you much more like this because the chief of this godless world is about to attack. But don't worry—he has nothing on me, no claim on me. But so the world might know how thoroughly I love the Father, I am carrying out my Father's instructions right down to the last detail.
"Get up. Let's go. It's time to leave here."

[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_977.mp3

Fight the good fight with all thy might,
Christ is thy strength, and Christ thy right;
Lay hold on life, and it shall be
Thy joy and crown eternally.

Run the straight race through God's good grace,
Lift up thine eyes and seek his face;
Life with its way before us lies,
Christ is the path, and Christ the prize.

Cast care aside, lean on thy guide,
His boundless mercy will provide;
Lean, and the trusting soul shall prove
Christ is thy life, and Christ thy love.

Faint not, nor fear, his arms are near,
He changeth not, and thou art dear;
Only believe, and thou shalt see
That Christ is all in all to thee.
Author: John Samuel Bewley Monsell (1811-75)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 718

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