How Much Longer Lord?


Russian male and female life expectancy from 1...

Image via Wikipedia

You might think this post is a bit strange.  But if I say nothing, who will?

I have found myself considering the end of my life.  Where will I go to meet the Lord?  How long do I have left in this rotten place of sin?  How much longer must I be tested?  This is the reason for wondering about it.  How much longer can I expect to live?

So I looked up the stats on life expectancy in America.  I’m 58 this year.  When can I reasonably expect to go home?  My mom and dad lived into their early 80’s.  So genetically, I can expect to live quite a while longer.  Dang!  I was kind of hoping it would be less than a year or two.  Frankly, I would have been satisfied with a couple days.

I know I haven’t achieved much of anything, in the way of serving the Lord or men.  But I’m tired now.  The world is quickly disintegrating in this decade.  And I fear for man for what is surely to come in just a short couple years.

So how long are men living in America?  About 78 years, on average.  For those of us who hate math, that’s another 20 years for me.  Sigh.

Will the Real Christians Please Stand Up? We’re a Bit Confused Here.


A large crowd gathers [at Madison Square Garde...

Image by Kheel Center, Cornell University via Flickr

I have met and know a few people who love the Bible.  These people adore Jesus.  And they’re willing to obey God.  By all appearances, these folks are “good” people.  And if you met them, you’d think God must be pleased with the way they have come to handle the life God has given them.  They are acceptable humans; both by men and by the Church.  And no fault is easily found in them.

However…………………..

These same folks will accept what they think they can handle from the Bible.  That’s why they love it.  They will adore Jesus, as long as He remains simply a loving God, or a baby in a manger.  They are willing to obey God, as long as He doesn’t ask them to become something or someone they don’t want to become.  And though they appear godly, there is a test you can perform on these folks that will surely show their true colors.

Speak to them about the reality of the Bible’s message and watch how they react.  These folks will be nice to your face.   But it might be the last time they will willingly talk to you.  Speak to them about the Glorified Christ, who has made all that is and is the final authority regarding the righteous worship of His Father.  Watch how their eyes dance as they try to find a way to say “good bye.”  And as you watch them go, you’ll see them quickly rid their minds of what you  just said.  Again, they meld into the socially acceptable activity among men.

It is so very interesting how people are willing to believe the Bible, yet so quick to avoid anyone who talks about the Bible.  Most people simply adore leaving the Lord within the pages of the Book.  They gladly receive instruction from the written Word, but will balk severely when that Word becomes flesh among their fellow humans.  They will listen to a sermon while in a group of people.  But when it’s over you’ll find them talking about anything but the sermon’s content.

The Lord is not fooled.  And only He will assess their value to Him.  It is good to point these things out.  Far too many are doing what we are seriously warned against:  If we turn away from those who warn us on earth, how will we hope to receive Him who warns us from heaven?

 

By His Grace.