Are You Ready

Are You Ready “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24 Having worked in health care all my life. I have had experiences that have remained with me over these many years. I can recall my first experience in visiting the morgue in my hospital with the attending physician who was signing a death certificate for a patient I had gotten to know, and had talked to many times before they died suddenly. This patient was a very wealthy man in our community, and was on my Board of Directors. He was a well liked and respected man, and had a very large family who were all grieving outside the morgue. But here lying naked under a sheet was this man, who in life seemed to have it all. He had great material wealth, a large luxurious home, several expensive cars, a large boat, and most any other luxury that one could have accumulated. His wife, his children, his grandchildren and all his other family members could do nothing in his behalf, or help him further in any way. His wealth, his bank accounts, his retirement plans, his insurance policies did not matter anymore. His membership at the local country club, his attorney, and any other of his influential friends could do nothing in his behalf. This man however did not go to church, and although no one can judge the heart of anyone else, had appeared to have not accepted Jesus as his Savior. Lying next to this man was another man who had just died. This man had not accumulated any wealth during his life, did not own a house or automobile, and had very few possessions, and was declared as an indigent patient having no assets. He had lived a very humble life, but was known in the community as being a devout Christian man, who had accepted Christ as his Savior. Everywhere he went he was a witness for Jesus, telling others about Him and the way to salvation. He always had a smile on his face, and always greeted everyone and showed his love for them. His wife, his children and grandchildren all were grieving outside in the hall as well over their loss. As I have come to know Christ as my Lord and Savior, and His plan of redemption for me this experience had become even more important in my life, as I witnessed firsthand the real meaning of what our life should be all about. Someday each of us is going to be lying on a table such as these two men. None of our money, wealth or worldly possessions is going to matter anymore, and none of our family, friends, pastor or anyone is going to be able to help. We will be all on our own. The only thing that will matter is whether or not we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We will all stand before the throne of God at this time, and be judged on how we have lived our lives. All aspects of our life will have been recorded and brought to light in front of God. God will then judge us, and either let us spend all eternity with Him in Heaven, or send us to eternal damnation in Hell. Are you prepared for this day? It could come today, tomorrow, next week, or next month, but inevitably this day will come, and you will be in this same position as these two men, as no one will be able to escape this fate. I would encourage each of you to think about this day, and determine if you are ready to be judged by God. Have you accepted Christ and asked Him for forgiveness for your sins, or have you kept putting off thinking about this day, saying to yourself that I still have time; I will think about it tomorrow? None of us have the promise of tomorrow, and many will wait too long to make things right with God. There is nothing in your life more important than turning your life over to God today, not tomorrow, but right now, as none of us knows when our time will come. This is the most important decision you will ever make, and many of you may not have time to sleep on it and make a decision tomorrow. God is waiting for you and will welcome you with open arms. Ask Him to come live in your heart and you will be ready. Robert W. Brock My Daily Devotional Volume Seven August 18