Some things are highlighted in my mind when I remember watching my friend Earl transition from the human phase of life to the [complete] spiritual phase of it. One of the most significant moments was when he got baptized in the hospital. His chemo filled body gingerly made his way to the seat (he was too weak to actually get submerged) where he and his pastor conducted the ceremony that made us witnesses to his Kingdom commitment. As an extremely sad young adult, I went and told my dad about my visit and the ceremony. He responded with an exuberant, " oh, he straight then!" At the time I couldn't understand my fathers joy.
The Mother's Day after my grandmother transitioned, I had the thought of visiting her grave site when the Holy Spirit said to me, "why you going there to reminisce and honor her...she's not there." I was comforted by that revelation of truth. I was also reminded that we as humans have a distorted view about vapor.
'Human beings are selfish' is an extreme understatement and 'human beings are uninformed' goes right along with it. Both of those don't become more evident than when a person goes through the process of leaving this planet. It's during these times when stone cold heathens turn into religious prophets; praying non-stop and then when the loved one passes, declaring that he or she is in a better place. Understandably so for the non-Believer, but for the Christian this is frightening.
The book of James exclaims that we are "a mist that appears for a little while, and then vanishes (James 4:14)". Some versions call it a "vapor", and it gives the implication that even if we live to the intended time of 120 years (Genesis 6:3), it really is a flash. Therefore, the questions posed are "what is life for" and "what about after that?" The answers can be summed up in this sentence: life is what God has given us to demonstrate our character and actions as they relate to His Kingdom; hence confirming or rejecting our residence there. Clearly, the way we live our lives is greatly important. But it must be influenced by Christ, for a persons' acceptance of the sacrifice He made, including following His ways, is the only avenue to God's Kingdom (John 3:15-16). We also know that statements such as "he/she is in a better place" are not necessarily true, because again it depends on that persons relationship with Christ. In other words, you don't get to Heaven just because you die.
Saying all that I feel blessed to be a part of a group of Believers who earnestly prayed for our friend in his time of physical and spiritual need. A lot of us were hurt to the core; unable to fathom how our jovial brother was in the sedated state he was in. Other of us were more aware of the circumstances but were powerless to react as we would have liked to. At any rate we got together, held hands, laid hands on our homie, and lifted his name up to the Father. Some of us prayed in the Holy Ghost to ensure prayer perfection. Others chatted with him as if he was still his happy self and not laying on a hospital bed. And with the power of God, one plug-pulling deadline was scratched, and then another, and then yet another as his actual consciousness was restored. Our friend did not survive in the natural, but I believe the extension of his stay was because the Messiah was providing a chance for him to get all things squared with Him. And I also believe he took that opportunity towards eternal life with the King.
Once we were able to get past our own agenda (you know, because we know what's best) we were able to pray honestly and effectively. Then and only then, our focus went away from the vapor...and it went to eternity.
Adrian Tuppince
1977 - 2012
Peace
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