|
By Barry Buzza
 A few years ago a dear friend died in her late eighties. Maria had been a sweet friend, an awesome wife and a loving mother for most of her years. She'd given birth to ten children; lost a couple in infancy; fought through sickness, poverty and war (Maria had moved to Canada from Italy after World War II) and was spending her sunset years resting in a well deserved care home.
On the night that she died, my elderly friend was sitting in her favourite chair reading her Bible. Around 9:30, a nurse came in and said, "Maria, it's time to get your beauty rest."
Her response, "No sweetie, I think I'll just sit here and read for a while. I'm going home tonight you know."
Of course the nurse had heard that wish from many of her patrons. They too had thought that they were going back home to being a mother and wife. But as for Maria, she understood something beyond our human world. When she said, "I'm going home tonight," she meant, "I've fought the fight of life well. It's over and I've won. Now it's time to receive my final trophy." And that she did. Maria sat in her rocking chair and continued reading from her beloved Bible until Jesus came a couple of hours later and carried her off to her new home.
Continue article >>
|
Paul's third metaphor was, "I've finished the course." Having spent several months in Corinth, likely having watched the Isthmus Games, he was alluding to the relay races. The Apostle had made reference before, to stripping away any outer weights that may slow us down, keeping our eyes fixed on the finish line, running with passion and making sure we place the baton securely into the next runner's hands. Now, there he was at the end of his own race, having completed the prescribed distance and stretching out to the finish line. He could almost feel the winner's olive wreath on his head.
Paul concluded this thought with the promise, In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved his appearing."
As a pastor I often have the privilege of sitting with friends just before they cross the finish line. Some do it well and others fight it all the way. Because every one of us will have to die one day we might as well learn now how to approach death with grace. I'll come back to the subject next week.
Barry Buzza, a veteran pastor, is the president of the The Foursquare Gospel Church of Canada. www.foursquare.ca
September 13/2007
|
