To My Earthly Father – See You Later!

Ordinarily one would find a biblical lesson in this space, perhaps an exploration of what the bible has to teach about eternal life in Jesus; but this week is a bit different.  Just over a week ago, I lost my first hero in life and mentor – my earthly father.

Psalm 116:15 teaches that “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints” (ESV).  Dad was a “saint” as the Bible defines one, a man who was a follower of Jesus.  The introductions to many of the New Testament letters are addressed to “saints,” referring to Christians or the body of the Church.

A saint is not one who has earned extra status in the sight of God, or one who has been elevated above their brethren, but rather one that has surrendered their life to Jesus by believing in their heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and confessing with their mouth that Jesus is Lord.

Dad’s journey on Earth lasted just over 84 years.  Even in his youth he understood the eternal truths of God.  As often happens between a father and son as they age, the last 30-odd years of our relationship saw my father go from “Dad” to “friend.”   And through that transition I was blessed to witness a profound change in his priorities as his relationship to God became of utmost importance to him.

My brother became a believer 35 years ago, and I followed suit two years later, both of us in our early years of college.  Dad admitted that the changes he saw in us made a deep impression on him, leading him to take God much more seriously.  Then, in May 2011, he sought out a Pastor, gained reassurance of his salvation, and found peace with his faith.

As a youth he had been “christened,” but life got in the way and God became more of an afterthought than a priority.  Then, during the Korean War, Dad served in the United States Marines on the 38^th parallel, along the DMZ.  We heard some of the stories, but realize that there are many more we will never know; ones too close to his heart, or too painful to relive, and that is fine with us.  I would rather he take those memories to the grave unspoken, than to suffer the retelling simply to satisfy the curiosity of others.

In the waning years of his life, Dad made certain the Pastor had a bottle of water at the ready every Sunday.  On the few occasions when he was unable to attend, other men followed his example and took up the chore of providing that little blessing of water.

Now that Dad is gone, I have already noticed that baton has been taken up by others permanently.  Dad always seemed to take care of the little details, simply doing what needed to be done.

My father’s funeral featured full military honors as befitting a combat veteran.  During the service, the Pastor made a remark that left a lasting impression on me.  He said, for the Christian, death is not “goodbye” but rather “see you later.”

Paul the apostle wrote the following words in 2 Corinthians 5:8, “Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”

At the end, Dad had reached the point in his earthly life where he desired to be “away from the body and at home with the Lord.”  The last year of his life featured numerous hospital stays, as Dad’s health declined, but as he did throughout his entire life, he did his best and relied on his family and his faith for strength.

Dad knew a little more than he let on, I think.  “To live is Christ and to die is gain.”  Last week, my earthly father – my Dad – gained!  He now lives in “life after,” in the presence of Jesus for eternity.  He no longer worries about bodily sickness or hospital visits but is now whole and eternally young in the presence of Jesus.  He is indeed precious!

So Dad, see you later!  I will miss you, but in time, and for eternity, I will see you again.  Thank you for believing in Jesus as your Savior, Lord and Treasure.

What about you?  Now is the day of salvation, no longer put off what you can do today.  We are not guaranteed tomorrow, so receive Jesus now as your Savior.  Romans 10:13 clearly tells us “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (ESV).

“See you later” is so much better than “goodbye.”