Saturday, October 3, 2009

An Exciting Life

As exciting as Elijah's life was, his last day on earth was even more exciting. It appears that Elijah knew God would take him up to heaven by a whirlwind, and was making a last circuit of the cities where the prophets lived, saying his farewells. During this day Elisha followed him faithfully, anxiously awaiting this tremendous event.

Elisha followed him to Bethel, then Jericho, and finally to the Jordan River. It was after Elijah parted the waters of the Jordan with his mantle, that the horses and chariot of fire appeared and Elijah was caught up by a whirlwind into heaven.

We all know out last day on earth won't be as spectacular as Elijah's was, but what we know is that we can make out life on earth count God. We can be a faithful witness for God, and tell others about Christ. We can let the Lord use the experiences in our lives, and how the Lord helps us through them, to draw others to Christ.

What are you doing with your life? What would be said about you at your funeral? I have been to many funerals and the one thing that stuck out for me is that no one ever talked about the deceased's bank account, or his job, or all that she/he possessed. No, what they talked about this the influence of the deceased; the kindness they saw in him, the love for family they saw in her. They spoke about the generosity, the positive attitude and the encompassing strength and love for God of the person lying in the casket. Often, stories would be told of how the departed's personality would be entertaining, or serious, or exciting. Or stories would be told of how he or she make life better for those around them.

That's what matters. It is only those things that will endure. Use your life for God's glory. Elijah did- his life should challenge us to walk closer to the Lord.


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