Thought for the Month - August 2017

"In the twinkling of an eye" by Barry Adair
(Absent from the body, present with the Lord)

So just how long is 'the twinkling of an eye'? Maybe a strange thing to ponder but that is what I was doing recently. I will come to the reason why shortly.

A brief search on the internet shows that others have asked this same slightly daft question too. I'm sure I don't have to explain what a twinkle is? We all have seen this in someone's eye, I'm sure. It could have appeared due to a flirtation, or cheekiness or telling a favourite story. You see it as an all too brief minor flash of light.

So just how long does that twinkle in the eye last then? Well, according to the best scientific data I can find on the internet, a twinkle is very, very fast. It is infinitely quicker than "before you can say Jack Robinson", much quicker than "two shakes of a lamb's tail", quicker than a "jiffy" and even faster than a "flash". I even found a few guys who have worked out that it occurs for less than a millionth of a second!

As for the reason this was in my head this month, it is down to a Bible verse and the loss of my aunt over in California a couple of days ago (as I write). I also know a couple of other families who are either going through this grieving process or who are waiting for the inevitable passing of a loved one. Now as a Christian I am fully persuaded that death is not the end. More than that, I am also convinced that the life we were supposed to experience (before the fall of Mankind) will only begin after we leave this scene of time.

I love these Bible verses and I also love a good mystery. And you will see the verse which prompted my question at the start of this Thought…

Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" (1 Corinthians 15: 50-55, emphasis mine)

I know that the verses speak of the coming "rapture" of believers who are alive when the Lord Jesus returns to this earth but I am also convinced that at death we are only a twinkling of an eye away from the presence of our Lord!

"Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43, Jesus talking to the thief on the cross during His crucifixion, emphasis mine)

You and I were never meant just for this world. We were meant to live forever. Death isn't the end but merely a transition into eternity. This will either be with God in heaven, or without God and without any hope in hell.

And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7)

I have a real hope in heaven. This is not on my merits, obviously! No, it is only through the precious blood of the sinless Lord Jesus and my belief and faith in Him…

"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life." John 5:24

For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Cor. 5:21

Our new life in heaven is freely available to those who believe in Jesus…

"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live…" (John 11:25)

Contemplating or experiencing death within a family can be a harrowing experience. A personal faith in our creator God can be such a comfort at these times, especially if that loved one is at peace with God. The pain remains but we are not left without hope - hope to be reunited with our loved ones someday, hope in new life, hope in a pain-free eternity, and hope to be with Jesus for ever and ever.

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4)

Do you know this assurance for yourself?

If not but you would like to, please get in touch with us at any time. We would love to share the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ with you. You can also follow the link at the end of this Thought.

Remember, all of us are only a twinkling of an eye away from eternity.

But eternity where?

Until next month (DV)…

Are you SURE that you have your place booked in Heaven? Read this if you're not!