Eternity Bound

     A pastor once said something like this: “Only when you lose your fear of death, can you really live.” Are you afraid to die? Many of us are fearful of the process of dying, if not what happens after we leave this earth. Knowing we are in the hands of Jesus through this life right into the next brings about inner peace and strength. Knowing the brevity of our lives when compared to eternity gives us hope and perspective.

For we walk by faith and not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:7-8

     Did you notice? When we are absent from the body we are present with the Lord. Jesus made a promise to the thief next to Him on the cross. The thief asked Jesus to remember him when He came into His kingdom. Here is the Lord’s reply.

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise. Luke 23;42

     Angels may escort us. (see Luke 18) Heaven waits for us. Our loved ones and Jesus will greet us. Absent from the body, present with the Lord, immediately in the presence of paradise. Death has lost its sting. (1 Corinthians 15:55)

Jesus,

Thank You for the promise of paradise. Death no longer holds us in fear. We will be with You in a resurrected body that will never fade away. Take away our fear of death. It has no hold over us because of Your death and resurrection.

Amen