[The Mayor]

October 30, 2007

Bon Voyage

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READ: 2 Timothy 4:1-8

The time of my departure is at hand. —2 Timothy 4:6

Paul’s word departure in 2 Timothy 4:6 is freighted with significance. It means "loosing" or "unmooring." It’s a word he uses again when he sighs, "I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ" (Phil. 1:23).

Departure is a nautical term that suggests "shipping out"—weighing anchor, slipping the lines that tether us to this world and getting underway. It’s a marvelous metaphor for dying.

For believers in Christ, death is not an end but a beginning. It means leaving this old world behind and getting to a better place, completing the purpose for which we were made. It’s a time for joy and excitement and a hearty "Bon Voyage!"

All voyages, however, are fraught with uncertainty, especially those that pass through waters never sailed before. We don’t fear death so much as we do the passage. Who knows what dangers lie ahead?

But the journey is not uncharted. One has taken it before us, and He has returned to bring us safely through. Although we pass through the valley of the shadow of death, God is with us all the way (Ps. 23:4). His hands are on the helm as He guides us to the heavenly haven He has prepared for us (John 14:1-3).

Say not it’s a dreadful journey
When the Savior leads the way;
It’s but passing through the shadows
To the land of endless day!  —Bosch

Those who fear God need not fear death.

Bible in One Year:   Jeremiah 20-21; 2 Timothy 4

[jaycee]

Your lesson touched me today. An elderly lady from church (she is 85) received word that her 58 year old daughter, who lives in Amsterdam, had an aneurysm and died before they could get her to the hospital. I just called her and told her that I loved her and that my heart was breaking and I couldn’t imagine what she was feeling. She was crying of course. Told her I would be over around noon. Think I will take some KFC and a cake.

So speaking of departure, none of us know the moment! Her daughter was a Christian....Thank you, Mr. Mayor!

[DollyCali]

Thank you Rus! I have an “oh my” story re: this devotional.. I received it twice this morning in Email and you had it posted today.

I think God is talking to me also. Have had a lot of death in my life this past calendar year & although I face my own mortality years ago(at age 31) there has been more & more for this “death chaplain” to examine still yet.

We must treasure our relationships & always ourself be ready to meet our maker. We are not promised tomorrow or even a half hour from now..

[La Enchiladita]

When in need, feeling prayerful or contemplative, do not hesitate to look through the prayer links on my homepage.

[jwfiv]

Back online this Military Monday after a long hot week in my little old town, first thing I wanna do is say Hello to all the Finest.

Wishing you all a safe and moderately spooky Halloween tomorrow .... )

[Dubya]

U.S. Army Spc. David Hooker fires an MK19 machine gun at a known insurgent position as Sgt. Chad Mohr looks on Oct. 24, 2007, in the Kunar province of Afghanistan. The Soldiers are from Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne).

DoD photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jacob Caldwell, U.S. Army. (Released)