IT LOOKED AS if the rain would never stop…
The clouds were laden and heavy. The thunder rumbled across the sky, and there was even an occasional flash of lightning. The day was gloomy enough, but the funeral that I was about to preach made it even more depressing.
I was the new preacher in town and this was my first week at work. The young man lying in the casket was in his early thirties. An automobile accident had cut his life short. Standing beside me were his wife and five-year-old daughter. The parents and other loved ones stood nearby.
As we stood there I felt a small hand slip into mine and tug downward. Kneeling down, I looked into the tear-stained blue eyes of a beautiful blonde-haired little girl. The pathetic look on her face was enough to make the angels weep. She whispered, “May I ask you a question?” I assured her that it would be okay. As he eyes looked pleadingly into mine and through uncontrollable sobs, she asked, “Did Daddy go to heaven?”
Tearfully I explained to her that we are not the judge in such matters, but only God will be our judge. Then I inquired as to why she had asked such a question. She replied, “Daddy never went to church with us; he was never baptized and I’m worred that he didn’t go to heaven.” I believe she knew the answer.
Death is ugly. Such a wound in this little girl is so deep that no amount of time will ever entirely heal the hurt within her. Almost every time a mother or father dies and leaves children behind, the question is asked, “Did Mommy/Daddy go to heaven?” Even though we cannot be the judge, we do know that Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16), and “…Be faithful unto death and will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). These words are just as true now as they were when given some 2,000 years ago.
Fathers and mothers, if you were to die suddenly, would there be any question in your children’s minds as to the place of your eternal abode? Will they be asking, “Did Mommy/Daddy go to heaven?” Don’t leave this life with your children knowing that you lived in rebellion to God. Teach them that the Christian life is the greatest life in the world. If we are true Christians, not only will our children have confidence in where we spend eternity, but they will want to follow. (via Randal Jones)
KneEmail: “When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” (2 Timothy 1:5)