Vol. 2, No. 32 – 8-6-2017
But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at the end of the age. Daniel 12:13
Joe died at the age of 50; yet, he was not buried until the age of 67. What? How can that be? If the truth be told, Joe quit living at the age of 50; that is what should be carved on his tombstone. He gave up the race of life coming down the home stretch. He was tired. He did not like life as it was any longer.
I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24
What will be on your tombstone? I know what is on mine. The grave site is purchased, the funeral has been paid for, and the headstone is in place. Romans 8:11 is engraved on my side of the headstone: “The Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you.” Thus, it is clear that I cannot “quit” before I die. I am committed to living until God takes me home—as Paul would say it in the Greek, “Be being keeping on!” It is an expression of the continuous present. (My wife Donna’s side is from John 11:25, I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies.)
Both my knees have been replaced, there have been six ear surgeries, an eye surgery, nerve reconstruction on my left arm, ligament/cartilage surgery for my left knee, and both hands have received surgery (four times), and my neck has been fused with a metal plate installed. Yet I keep on keeping on. I hope someone will stop by to read our tombstones one day and then read the Scripture verses—God’s truth is there.
- If you are tired, keep on keeping on
- If you do not have the funds you used to have, keep on keeping on
- If your dreams and ideas seem to be slowing, keep on keeping on
- If your car no longer runs, walk, keep on keeping on
- If you cannot hear like you once did, read, keep on keeping on
- Even if you are on your “death-bed”, remember believers will be raised; we get to keep on keeping on in eternity
David writes reflective Psalm; he looks back at the involvement of God in his life. His objective is that we should also see God’s presence in our own lives. Notice how David begins Psalm 37—”Do not fret.” Fretting is almost a word of onomatopoeia (ονοματοποιία), we get the meaning of the word by saying the word. Fretting is worry. We are good at it. What is the answer? Daniel says, “Do not fret.” God says that all things are in His hands. We will rise again.
Daniel is 90 years of age; headed toward his death-bed. He is finishing his course; however, he knows the truth of his reward. It is not simply a state of mind, but a reality. Daniel is looking for the rest that God provides to His own. His lot, a little spot, is in the territory of Judah. It was as a small garden. His life would end well for he was faithful to Almighty God.
Not everyone’s life ends well. All too often people of the earth, including many believers, strive to shape their lives only to suit them. Without God as the focus of the heart, life becomes traumatic, and does not end well.
I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith’ in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day’ and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8
I wonder what was on Paul’s tombstone. Would it be remarkable that Paul could be buried in the garden next to Daniel? Just a thought; an imagination. Daniel and Paul never tired of their ministry; fatigue did not overpower them. They armed themselves with the truth of God, bathed their trials in prayer, and were found faithful to their end on the earth.
How is it with you?
