In the past month, I have witnessed some significant milestones in life. Firstly, my old aunt of 90 years of age passed away. It was a wonderful release for her as she was sure of arriving safely in heaven when she closed her eyes in death. You may think this to be presumptive or ill-founded. My aunt was an intelligent person who had a career as a school teacher. Many years ago, she had become convinced that her sins needed to be forgiven and that humans are accountable to their Creator. Her hope was based solidly on the following verses from the Bible:
‘The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost,’ 1 Timothy 1. 15
Jesus said, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life,’ John 5:24
‘The Lord is not slow to fulfil his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance,’ 2 Peter 3:9.
The second milestone was a wedding. I love weddings, but this one was a bit more daunting as I was officiating at it. Everything had to be right as I stood before friends and family - no pressure. A wedding is a wonderful occasion marked by love, joy and beauty. The Creator attended the first wedding in the Bible as He united two lives in the great joy of an intimate relationship. The Lord Jesus also attended a wedding in Cana of Galilee and brought joy to the day when he replenished the supply of wine. Wine in the Bible is often a symbol of joy. He, Jesus, still brings joy to those who welcome His presence and company as they walk the path of life.
Finally, I was delighted to meet my latest grandchild for the first time. I am not biased, as you would know, but he is beautiful (I think handsome is the right word for a boy). New life is a miracle and a wonder. It can all be explained biologically, but it is still amazing. The newborn is vulnerable yet has everything needed for life in this world. I am amazed that God has made so much provision for this life and also for everyone to be prepared and equipped for life in the next world.
But, back to my aunt. She understood that we can and should prepare for the next life. But in fact, it is even better than that. We can actually enjoy a relationship with God in this life now so that when our end comes, we only move location and are going home. My aunt enjoyed her relationship with God for years. She was an incredibly happy person, and when the time came for her to go, she did not dread death but was delighted to depart and ‘be with Christ, which is far better’.
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