Dear
Friends,
Preparing
for a trip makes me feel like a kid. To celebrate our 40th wedding
anniversaries another couple, my husband and I took a cruise to Nova Scotia.
Before the trip we discussed what to wear, what land excursions we might take, what
to take to avoid seasickness. We took out insurance in case we had to cancel. As
our date of departure for my first cruise approached, I got butterflies. But I
focused on the destination and didn’t worry too much about what I left behind.
Perhaps
that should be our attitude as we approach our trip to heaven. After all,
that’s the trip of a lifetime, better than any cruise or party or vacation. It’s
all paid for by our Savior on Good Friday. And our passport is stamped by His
resurrection on Easter Sunday.
If
we lived in Old Testament times, we would have to slay a lamb and paint its
blood over our doors at this time of year in remembrance of that first
Passover. During the Egyptian plagues, the Israelites were protected from the
death of their first born by the blood of that slain lamb (read Exodus). Until
the destruction of the temple in 70 A. D., the Jews practiced animal
sacrifices. The blood of animals “covered” their sins but did not eradicate
them.
But
once Christ died, such sacrifices were no longer required of those who believe
in His Name. Our sins are erased by the blood of The Lamb, and we are made
righteous. Our way to heaven is paid, so we can prepare for it with all the excitement
and butterflies we feel for earthly excursions.
Yes,
it’s natural not to want to leave Planet Earth. We lead good lives. We enjoy family,
friends, food, nice homes. We say God is good, all the time. And we mean it. Well
. . . He is just as good when He calls
us home.
Every
birthday brings me closer to that trip. Closer to death. But closer to the
resurrection as well. Paul says absent from the body is present with the Lord,
referring to our spirits. And when Christ returns, Paul tells us, the dead in
Christ shall rise first. These crippled, hurting, broken bodies will rise from
the grave and be united with Christ in the air. If we’re still alive when He
returns, we will be caught up with them.
So
what preparation do we need to make? For starters, we want to make sure we feel
comfortable about meeting God. If we don’t, we can talk to a pastor or another
Christian who can assure us through scripture that in Christ our sins are
forgiven. We need only recognize Him as our Savior. That is our insurance.
Without Him to plead our case, we will be separated from the Father forever. I
don’t know what hell will be like, but I certainly don’t want to find out. I’m
sure you don’t either.
Once
I’ve settled the spiritual issue, I can quit putting off filling out the booklet
given to me by my doctor that states what measures I want others to take to
delay my date of departure. Questions ask how I want to be treated (Hmmm . . . I
like easy listening music, warm bed buddies . . . and chocolate) and what any final wishes are (Cremation?
No, thank you).
And
finally, I can assure my family that they need not grieve for me, because I
will be on the trip of a lifetime!
Easter
means far more than a new spring outfit and going to church, far more than egg
hunts and marshmallow chicks. Easter means I will live forever in the Presence
of my Savior!
Happy
Resurrection Sunday! And BonVoyage!
Shirley
Upcoming Engagements:
May 4, 5:30 p.m. - Augusta Baptist Church, Sunbury, Ladies' Appreciation Dinner, "At Any Age, At Any Stage: Celebrating the Christian Life."
May 11, 5:30 p.m. - Mountain Presbyterian Church, Sunbury, Mother-Daughter Banquet, "That Face in the Mirror: Who Do You See?"
