Prepare for the Inevitable

As they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus receive my spirit!" (Acts 7:59)

"Students, your friend and classmate, who struggled with heart problems for years, died today," came the announcement over the school's public address system. The students, shocked and stunned into silence, could not comprehend how someone their age could die.

Words of comfort were shared: "In heaven there is no more pain for our young friend, no more sorrow or tears. God Himself will wipe away his tears. Though he had much pain on earth, now, today he is in heaven with Jesus. He has gone to be with his Lord."

When Stephen was being stoned to death, he gazed upward and said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." He said it with confidence.

We can be assured that our departed Christian friends and family members shared the same words, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. I am coming home now to be with You." This is what our faith is all about. Our faith in Christ is founded on God's promise to raise us just as He raised Jesus from the dead. On the day of our death we too will say with all the saints," Lord, I'm coming home to You."

Thanks, Jesus, for dying for me so I can live with You forever in the heavenly mansion. Amen.