Signs of Life (part II)

I thought some more of my beautiful aunt's life.

Through her life and testimony many have come to know our Savior. She took care of her own household well, even in unbearable times - yet, retained her "living" testimony as a true follower of Jesus Christ - and still had time to minister to the needy and poor around her.

She reminds me of a wonderful verse that describes her perfectly:

"The silver head is a crown of glory it is found in the path of righteousness." Proverbs 16:31

I also considered her age and was reminded how quickly time on this earth goes by:

"Where as you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." James 4:14

Then, I turned my thoughts to those elderly people I observed in that waiting room. (I spoke of them in the last post)

Though, I can not know for sure what became of each of those old saints struggling in their last days - I am confident that our Lord knew and knows those matters. He knows the end of our days too.

The Bible's book of Deuteronomy declares these things of Moses, describing what his last days were like:

"Moses was 120 years old when he died. His eyes were not dim nor his natural vigor diminished." Deuteronomy 34:7

That would be great for all of us, wouldn't it? Most of us will not be able to readily identify with our brother Moses -and may even struggle mightily as we reach the end of our time here...

The Bible also speaks of Anna, telling us that she was of "...great age." (She was approximately 84 years old at the time) Her testimony was much like my dear Aunt Sarah's testimony:

"She gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem." Luke 2:36

Oh, to be like Anna and Aunt Sarah!

Consider what God's word says about Zecharias and his dear wife, Elizabeth. They were the parents of "John the Baptist". Even in their old age, they walked righteously before God -

"...walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless." Luke 1

It was said that they were both advanced in years when they heard the "news" that their righteous prayers to God were answered in the matter of Elizabeth bearing a son.

Because of their walking in righteousness before God - He granted her the privilege of birthing a son who would pronounce the coming Savior of the world - Jesus Christ!

My Aunt Sarah exemplifies what I desire as I age - to remain faithful to my Lord Jesus Christ, to walk in His ways and not mine own, to love perfectly the same way I am loved by God and to remain full of grace, merciful and humbled before the one in whom I must one day give an accounting too.

These reasons all drive me to be enthusiastic about my faith in Jesus Christ, much like the old man from Pakistan that I recently read about in the "Voices of the Martyrs" magazine.

This elderly saint exclaimed, "I have been waiting 80 years to have my own Bible - and, now I finally hold the full word of God in my hands!"

You know, life really is as God described it, "... but a vapor - here today, gone tomorrow."

There is nothing more worthwhile than knowing we are God's soldiers! We must serve Him faithfully, thus, participating in a worldwide cause possessing truly eternal significance!

"Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgement, including every secret thing, whether good or evil." Ecclesiastes 12:13

Let me encourage you with a well known song about standing up for Christ:

"Stand up, stand up, for Jesus! The strife will not be long.

This day the noise of battle, the next the victor's song!" (author unknown to me)

Matt Redman wrote these lyrics:

"And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on

A glorious light beyond all compare And there will be an end to these troubles But until that day comes We'll live to know you here on the earth

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on and there will be an end to these troubles But until that day comes Still I will praise you, still I will praise you!"

Allow my praying for us:

"My Heavenly Father, may we have that peace upon our faces, remembering that everything here is temporal.

Father, help each of us to remember that you are the magnificent Creator of the universe!

Help us to hold on! Keep us to that day we see you face to face and you declare, "you have fought the good fight! Come and rest!"

We love you, Lord Jesus! Amen!

In Him,

Elaine