THE PERSISTENCE OF LIFE

But even Moses showed in the burning bush passage that the dead are raised, when he called the Lord 'the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' For He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him."  (Luke 20:37-38 NKJV)

What is death? It is not a condition but a transition; not an abiding place, but a passage; not a house, but a doorway. The Scripture refers to it as a birth, "the first-born from the dead"; as an exodus, "after my exodus," says Peter; as a striking of the tent, "I must shortly put off this tabernacle;" as the weighing of an anchor, "the time for me to loose off from the shore is come." Each of these metaphors emphasizes the fact that death is but a momentary act. We are absent from the body one moment, present with the Lord the next.

Persistent Personality. In that other field we shall surely recognize each other, and shall be as close akin, yes, closer than we were in long past happy days, when heart to heart had sweet conversations, or co-operated in useful ministry. Abraham will still be Abraham; Isaac, Isaac; and Jacob, Jacob. Not bodiless ghosts, but living personalities glorified and transfigured. Moses and Elijah were recognized as such by the startled disciples on the transfiguration mount; and Mary knew the Master in the garden. What good would it have been if Jesus promised the dying thief that he should be with Him in paradise, if, when he reached there, he could not recognize Him?

Persistent Love. Love will never fail! But how can it exist without an object; and how can it forget! Why did Jesus promise the "many mansions," unless He meant that there should be homes! He knows that the heart clings, even in the light of resurrection, to the dear objects of human affection, else He would never have mentioned Peter's name, nor have sent a message to His disciples, nor come a second time for Thomas! And will He ignore those natural cravings for us, whom He has loved better than Himself? How deep and sweet His assurance: "If it were not so, I would have told you!" Charles Kingsley, the English novelist, professor, and historian, asked that on the grave stone, which stood above his wife and himself, should be inscribed the words: "Amavimus, Amamus, Amabimus"--We loved, we love, we shall continue to love. And who shall challenge the truth or relevance of these words?

Persistent Activity. "His servants shall serve Him!" The tasks we messed up here with our apprentice hands will become possible; and unraveling our tangled yarns, we shall weave such fabrics as our wildest dreams never imagined.

PRAYER

I pray You, Lord, to deliver me from the fear of death; and when my eyes open in the dawn of heaven, may I see You standing to welcome me, and may I receive Your well-done my good and faithful servant!   In Jesus’ name I ask it, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #150:
I began the good work in you and I will finish it.

Philippians 1:6 (WEB)
being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you
will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.