I read in the April 3 devotion in Our Daily Bread these words:
On the night of April 3, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr gave his final speech, ‘I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.’ In it, he hints that he believed he might not live long. He said, ‘We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn’t matter with me now. Because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you…[But] I’m happy tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.’ The next day, he was assassinated.
It was almost as if Dr. King “knew” he was going to die soon. That got me to thinking: what if I knew I was going to die in exactly one week. What would I do?
- Would I love Jo any differently? Would I do something with her we have put off?
- Would I love Tami and Janna (my daughters) and Braden (grandson) any differently? Would I make sure my millions were doled out evenly? 🙂
- Would I love the people in the church I pastor deeper? Is there any grace or forgiveness I need to extend? Is there anyone I need forgiveness from?
- Would my last sermon be an earnest plea for salvation? Holy living? Sacrificial service?
- Would I ride my bike with more abandon, taking on the challenge of more hills?
- Would I contact my friends (all 2 of them) 🙂 to thank them for their friendship and get together for one more pizza run or bike ride?
I could go on and I’m sure you could also. But the “what if” or “would I” is not what matters. It is the “what about now” that matters. No one knows when they may be called home.
“Father, I stand before You this morning pondering the ‘what if.’ You are more interested in the ‘what will I do for now.’ Show me how to live now and what You desire from me N.O.W.”
Perhaps the lesson here, Bill, as that we should live each day as if it could be our last, and serving the Lord with everything we have.
Blessings!
I believe that is a very valuable lesson Martha.
Agreed. God doesn’t need a virus to take any of us home. Each day is a gift and this season reminds me that each day is a gift. “Give us THIS day, our daily bread…”
You are right Floyd. Each day is a gift, one we should not take for granted.
This reminded me of a very thoughtful quote I heard at a conference for Youth for Christ this past year. It stated “What would you do for God if you knew you could not fail?” I love that question! The idea that I should strive for something I may not be positive I can achieve, but trusting God to help me achieve it for the glory of His kingdom.
That is a great thought Cassie! I like that question. It would sure challenge us to dream big and to take steps we may not take otherwise. Thanks for the comment.