This has been a time of great loss for me as my dear wife of 60 years went to be with the Lord three months ago and one of my four sons left this earth for his heavenly home this last Passover, three days ago on the Feast of the First-fruits. My son, Israel, was my sounding board as we shared many questions and ideas about the second coming of the Lord and these end days that we live in. What David wrote in Psalm 127 has become even more precious to me.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.” – Ps. 127:3-5

While all my children and grandchildren are a comfort to me and we often share about the Lord and His blessings, I want to share what one of Israel’s sons shared about his dad’s passing –

(Beside Me by The Day of Eternity)

Israel’s children wrote this song to commemorate their dad’s heart as he struggled in the battle against cancer and the fear of death we all have. But, Israel overcame as his faith was anchored in Jesus and his eyes were lifting to see the King coming for him. His testimony was Jesus walked beside him to the very end.

My memories of my wife, Anita, and my son, Israel, will always be sweet and my hope is in the Lord, though the separation is painful it is only pain for a moment, for soon I will be seeing them again.

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” – 1 Thes. 4:13-18

As I have shared part of my personal life with you, I pray it will encourage you to draw nearer God as He alone is our hope for eternity. Those who know Jesus have hope for the future because we know this life is just a stepping stone on the way to eternity.