THE HOPE OF HEAVEN

A woman went to her pastor, a man named Bishop Bergrave, and asked him, “What is death like for the Christian?” He told this story…

Once there was a peasant man who had a wife and a young son. One morning the man said he was going to the neighboring village to do business. He kissed his wife goodbye and his son said, “Father, can I go with you?” “Yes” was the answer and off they went hand in hand down the path. Before long they came to a mighty, rushing river. The recent rains had washed out the bridge. The Father and son carefully picked their way across the remains of the bridge and made it to the other side.

They had a splendid day together, but time eventually got away from them. As they started back the sun was already setting over the western hill and before long it was pitch dark. Suddenly, the father heard the little boy crying. He stooped down and said, “What is wrong?” The son said, “Oh Father, we made it across the mighty river in the daylight, but we will never make it across in the dark!” The father did not say a word. He just scooped up the little lad and held him close to his chest. Before long, the son was sound asleep.

The next thing he knew, the boy woke up. He was in his own bedroom. He was in his bed. His face was resting on his own pillow. Sunshine was streaming in through the window and guess who was standing in the doorway. His father.

Bishop Bergrave said to the women, “That is what death is like for the Christian. You fall asleep in the arms of Jesus, and you wake up and you are home!”

The truth is we do not go from the land of the living to the land of the dying. We go from the land of the dying to the land of the living. The worst thing in the world is not to die. It is to die without Christ. Our hope is a person. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.” John 11:25

Dr. Michael Sprague is the Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission and President of Grace Adventures. Michael does life with his wonderful wife Donna and resides in Mandeville, LA. His motto is “Bet the Farm on God.” You can find more information about Michael here.