What About the In-Between Time?

The other day, I had this vision.  It was vivid and shocking.
 
As I walked through the cemetery, down the rows of tombstones so neatly in line, and as I passed by each marker, I could hear songs of rejoicing from some; screams for help from others.  I lingered long at those stones that sang out with Hosanna! Hosanna!  As for the others, a chill coursed through my veins.  At those stones, I did not long remain.  I looked at the name on the stone from which the mourning came and a tear fell from my eye.
 
For those who pleaded for help, for rescue….why was I so sad?  Because I could do nothing to help them.
 
I’ve looked into the eyes of men soon to meet their God.  In some, I’ve seen great anticipation, a shining brilliance as the Light of the World comes to carry them home.  Other eyes stare in deep fear.  They see the darkness closing in upon them.
 
Every day, I am so reminded that there is an end to life.  Solomon summed it up so well in his Book of Wisdom, Ecclesiastes 3:1-2.  “There is a time for everything…a time to be born and a time to die.”
 
So we might ask, “What about the in-between time?”  Here’s what I think.  It’s a time in which we prepare.
 
Life is short and there is indeed a purpose.  That purpose is to worship God while we yet breathe.  Then at the last, we can worship God when we breathe no longer.
 
One day, when I walk by your tombstone, what will I hear?  Will loud Hosannas ring forth, or will a tear well up in my eye?
 
If you don’t know, or if you fear that blackness is closing in on you, please call me.  I can do something now.  I will share Jesus with you.  He alone is the Light of the World.

Blessings to each of you this day,

Pastor Allan
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