Haha! Quite a disturbing title I presume… but two things I’m pondering about when this thought comes to my mind. 1) The wonder of what does happens if this becomes true in the physical aspect? 2) The need of this phrase to be true in the spiritual aspect.
Well, the number one idea is simply a brink of my own thoughts of curiosity. Recently we have had several deaths in the past. And the most recent is the passing away of one of our faithful servant of the Lord, Mrs. Josefa Salinas. To be honest, I know only too little of her, but her name is known to many, and indeed I have heard of her deeds and ministries for the Lord and perhaps worthy to be called faithful servant of God. But one thing I may not forget of her is the time she helped my family through a piece of an amount that may have supplied enough the lacking amount needed for my father’s expenses when he was hospitalized. Interesting testimony of my mom would be all expenses were paid enough, no lacking nor excess, but simply enough.
And now, months after she had just visited my father, God took her home. I’m actually speechless, for I know I can not comprehend what God’s plan or will is for the matter. All I can only say perhaps is that she lived a meaningful life. Just looking at the people whom she has touched and made an impact…. they were many. Same scenery as I have been through the past deaths of the faithful servants of the Lord - remembering Ptr. Dawal, Ptr. Nick, Auntie Aning and Ptr. Bigornia. And I know those that have served the Lord whole-heartedly same picture would that be. Who then are the faithful? Perhaps a challenge towards the new generation of servants and ministers, will they also be faithful? And how about me, will I be faithful?
With all the happenings these days, being faithful to God maybe hardest ever, as we face a new world, a new era, where gadgets, internet, media, technology and knowledge has become the most prominent of this age. And, the other face of the earth shows that survival is the major factor that controls the life of a man. Sometimes, I wonder, are these happenings truly signifies the coming of our Lord? Just remembered Ptr. Marzan’s argument, a sign of Christ coming is the increase on knowledge of man.
Daniel 12:1-4
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
And so runs my curiosity and imagination, will Christ come in this period? Will I see that time of His coming? So many questions; But perhaps my recent question still remains a wonder for my own. Will I experience death as well? If so, I wonder how many people will come. But anyhow, there’s one thing I may have learned about death. As just been reminded of dreams my sister and even I myself have had this year.
My sister dreamt of me dying in a simple falling down from jumping up to get a fruit of a tree. But my dream was different, I dreamed I went to the future yet knowing at the future I was already dead (by assassination, I believe…. I think I’m watching too much movies). Then, came back to the present, being given a gun by a chief police (who’s face seem familiar but I know not his name) just to protect myself, saying I’m the only one who can protect myself.
Well, that was just a dream, but as I have said, it maybe that I have learned about death. The fact that we all face this at a point in our life time, death makes us reflect and re-evaluate our life, our actions, our deeds, everything that is about life, and perhaps our Christian life. And perhaps one question should we put in mind as Christians, will God say to us “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
And, this is where the second point I’m pondering about. How do we become good and faithful servant? Or do we even want to become one? At this time? I’m sure most of us don’t care (probably) but when we meet our Creator? I’m sure you’ll desire to hear it.
But anyway how do we become good and faithful servant? Well, one thing is for sure, this is only concluded at the end of our lives and never in the middle of our life time. But in the mean time as we continue living our lives I have this verse in mind:
Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
I believe this is what Paul wants Christians should do. For he himself recognizes he has still his sinful flesh and the only way for him to live for Christ, is that he must die daily. And that is what I’m talking about. For as Christians, we ought to really die unto ourselves so that Christ may live in us. Our desires for His; our plans for His; our decisions for His; our everything for Him.
Matthew 16:24-28
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
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