Suffering: Untimely Death, Like Uriah & Lazarus
For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
2 Corinthians 5:1 (NIV)
Few things hurt more than the untimely death of a loved one lost in the prime of life. Most of my own dearly departed kin were older, sicker, and ready to go. But early exits can be heart-wrenching.
Like Bathsheba's brave husband, Uriah: a loyal and well-disciplined soldier, who was set up to die by King David, in the good king's most wrong-minded moment.
Like the Messiah's close friend, Lazarus, an early and welcoming believer… taken out by a serious illness. His sister’s pleas for help seemed unanswered.
Both Bible heroes died untimely deaths, or so it might seem to those left behind. Uriah rose to new life in Heaven. Lazarus rose to new life on earth.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
When certain lives seem to end too early, lasting life in eternity begins. The urgent question regards location. Consider some thoughts on the subject:
All of us go one way or the other. For those who choose to believe in Jesus (even at the last possible moment), a forever reunion is waiting. Christians in mourning will soon be dancing.*
The Word of God stresses preparation. Again and again, Jesus reaffirms: the length of our Earth days is uncertain. So we're ordered to live in readiness and continue in the tasks He assigns.**
Only He knows every human timeline (and most of us are tempted to waste time). Our mandate as Christ-followers is clear. We must live each day as if IT’S OUR LAST!
Sadly, most people don't know Jesus (yet), but YOU, His ambassadors, can reach them… through film, fashion, music, and theatre… through the love, light, and passion you carry!
This is THE TIME for you to rise and shine.
Suffering: Untimely Death, Like Uriah & Lazarus (Part 48)
* 'Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope' (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
* The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus reveals two post-death locations. (This is a different Lazarus from Christ's close friend): https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+16:19-31
** The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mat+25%3A1-13&version=NKJV
** The Parable of the Fig Tree/ No One Knows the Day or Hour:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+13%3A28-37&version=NKJV
** The Parable of The Faithful Servant and the Evil Servant:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12%3A35-38&version=NKJV
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!