Friends Everywhere

If I go up to the heavens, you’re there;
If I make my bed in Sheol, you’re already there.

If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Sovereign and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved. – Psalm 139: 8; Romans 10:9. From The Inclusive Bible: The First Egalitarian Translation

A colleague tells about a parishioner who was dying. She was elderly, a devout Episcopalian, a bright and lovely lady, and her body was wearing out.

Her children gathered around. One of them had left the church of his youth and joined another, which set a high priority on explicit, public professions of faith. “Mother,” he implored, “it’s time to profess Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. You must, to get to heaven. If you don’t, you could end up in hell. I so want you to be in heaven.”

She patted his hand in the way that mothers do: lovingly, with no condescension. “It’s okay, dear. I have lots of friends in both places.”

Prayer

God of earth and heaven, you promised that there is no place on earth or heaven or under the earth where you will not find us. Grant me the steady conviction that you have told us the simple, wonderful truth: wherever we go, you are waiting with open arms. Amen. 

About the Author
John A. Nelson is the Pastor of the Niantic Community Church (UCC/UMC) in Niantic, Connecticut.