Greg’s Blog http://blog.greglaurie.com
June 29th, 2009 Posted in Pastor’s corner, encouragement
As we all know, two American icons passed into eternity just last Thursday: Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson.
Farrah Fawcett was once regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful women. Her hairstyle was copied by countless girls in her day, and her posters hung on many a young man’s wall.
Tragically, she contracted cancer and eventually succumbed to it. Prior to her death, when she was still trying to beat it, a TV special chronicled her fight and her hope to overcome this dreaded disease.
Unfortunately, it was not to be and Farrah Fawcett entered eternity.
Although many knew Farrah was fighting cancer and might die soon, the death of pop superstar Michael Jackson was a shock to many. Now, as more comes out about his life, it would appear that he had been on a downward spiral for months, even years.
Jackson had unprecedented success, winning 13 Grammy’s and selling a staggering 750 million records. But now he too has entered eternity.
I don’t know where Farrah and Michael were at spiritually. I only hope they put their faith in Christ.
A man enters eternity
On the same day that this news was breaking, I was called to visit a man on his deathbed. He knew he had cancer and that he only had days to live.
We talked about eternity and though he claimed to have faith, we went over God’s glorious plan of salvation and prayed as he committed his life to Jesus Christ.
I told him that I would visit him again on Saturday, but he did not make it. He ended up passing into eternity, into the arms of the Lord, only hours later.
I am so glad I went to visit him. Thursday was an extremely busy day and I had considered waiting to go until Saturday, but I felt prompted by the Lord to go that day.
We need to help people get ready for eternity
That is why we all need to share the gospel. Because we never know when life on this earth will end.
If you know someone who is not yet a believer, go tell them today how to come into a relationship with Jesus Christ, the living Lord. Because everyone dies.
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock, is dead.
James Brown, the King of Soul, is dead.
Kurt Cobain, the King of Grunge, is dead.
And now Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, is dead.
But Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, is alive forevermore. Let’s tell people that, so they too can live forever.
Jesus said, “I am he who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death” (Revelation 1:18 NKJV).
Post a Comment 49
Helen Merrihew:
July 1st, 2009 at 8:58 am
Pastor Greg;
Thank you for this reminder that we once were without hope in this world, too and someone prayed for us, someone took time out of their busy day to come speak to us about Jesus Christ and eternity and sin and death –
Someone took the risk being rejected, being misjudged, being mistreated in reaching out to us in our ignorance and sin – all because they cared –
Someone went out of their way to obey Jesus and the result was that you and i are saved from our sin and have the hope of Heaven with our Savior and an abiding relationship with Him today.
We are saved for our King Jesus – We are His and His will is ours –
Thanks for reminding us that this world is not our home and there’s work to do while we’re here.
May we keep-on keeping-on serving our Jesus,
Helen
napahelen.wordpress.com 