GodReflection: When God Calls
I don’t intend for this post to sound over-dramatic.
It is my observance this is not a subject given much thought nor much direction from the pulpits of the churches.
Perhaps, among the many advantages of an energetic and younger pulpit this is a weakness. Maybe elder-teacher types should receive more encouragement toward growth and be given a greater platform from which they might share age-gained wisdom within congregations?
I would love to learn from those who perceive that God’s call home is in the near future.
With the death rate still at one hundred percent every child of God will be called home to live with Father God and His Son Jesus.
In most churches where I have worshipped there are numerous gray and white aged heads assembled. In one of those congregations the elderly members were in such abundance that it was often declared to be their last stop prior to eternity.
Paul’s call to the church in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17) is read more often than not at funeral services rather than in the assembly of the congregation for worship:
For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.
For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so, we will be with the Lord forever.
In my greying years I find it more than coincidence that good books on heaven and the next reality were handed to me. It is more than accidental that in my annual trek through Scripture verses and section that highlight the new heaven and the new earth become more ingrained into my soul.
My guess is that it is not by chance that my ponder-time is so often pulled toward an attempt to sort the real from the unreal in my life, in the church, and in the world.
Hymns that paint the promises of God for now and in the next life make their entrance and exit across my consciousness as they create a pull from my heartstrings.
The decay of my bodily health does not go without noticed. Yes, in the faint distance syllables seem to morph into the sound of words.
Could it be? Am I beginning to hear the words turn into some muffled order? Is God sending forth a hint? Is it an initial, but slight call from home?
Stay tuned.
Dr. Gary J. Sorrells
A GodReflection: Called Home
Gary@Godreflection.org
http://www.GodReflection.org
http://www.MakeYourVisionGoViral.com
God Reflection 
I agree that we need more teaching on this subject Gary. Christians do not know what to say when your loved one dies. I heard many hurtful remarks when Ken went home to be with God. I believe they meant well, but really did not understand what death means for a man of God. We need to preach and teach on this subject more, since we all will face death. The old songs about heaven and perfect peace have been replaced by praise songs. We need to praise Him, but we also need the songs that convict us to watch, pray, and be ready when the Lord calls us home. I have enjoyed all of your lessons on Called. Thank you for reflecting on this much needed subject.
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This is a good article and one that needs wide distribution. Jane and I attend the Abundant Living meeting each year in Branson, MO. It is a meeting that usually has around 200 senior Christians. We profit greatly from this gathering, and I strongly recommend it to your readers. This year’s date is October 9-12. By the way, who decided to stop singing about heaven in our worship services? Or quit singing songs that invite people to get right with God?
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Howard,
Thanks for checking in. Good tip on the Abundant Living meeting. Maybe we should go back to spontaneous worship and inject some of those heaven songs? Have a great week. Know you have a lot of good on your plate to share with others.
Gary
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Gary, as I am not that far behind you in age, I can relate to your posts in aging and have really appreciated your perspective. Sometimes I read your messages out loud to my wife, Cathy. She must be tiring of my reading because she just asked me if she could receive your posts directly. Would you please add her to your list of recipients for your messages? I’m thankful for your gift of communicating by the written word. You are a blessing to me. Deryl
Sent from my iPhone
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