Rest in Peace?

They sat around their regular table, another pulled up to it filled with unfamiliar faces.  Laughter mixed with earnest expressions . . . one familiar face was missing.
Gradually word got back to where I stood at register.  That one familiar face is gone.  Forever.  "At least he's resting in peace now."

Those words haunt my heart.

Is he?

Did he know the Savior?  Is he living now in the peace and joy that come from the very presence of God? Or has he entered a forever living death? Condemned because he never accepted the gift of Jesus as Savior?

I saw him multiple times a week, wished him a good day, endured his teasing . . . but . . . did he know the hope I have?

I don't know.  I can't know.

But this, I do know . . . one day, friends, we will all face death, and on the other side stand before a righteous GOD.  How will He judge?  Rightly He would find us all guilty, and send us away to forever torment . . . forever separation from the One who loves us most.  Praise Jesus, though, He's made a way for forever life . . . and I now live in hope of eternity.  Do you?

Lord, set my soul on fire with passion, a passion that will over rule my nervous silence.  Make eternity clear before my eyes.  Crystal clear.  This fear of rejection has no place when souls are forever hanging in the balance.  Forgive me for my willingness to fade into the background unheard--because i'm silent.  Jesus, grant me a wise and holy boldness to share the glory, hope, and power of Your gospel, Your love, Your sacrifice.  Amen

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