Rich Mullins wrote a song about “Going Out Like Elijah,” its a compelling piece about wanting God to take us up in a fiery chariot and how we will not miss this world as it passes from view. The Apostle Paul spoke in a similar fashion when he said, “I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live..” (Philippians 1:23-24). These sentiments get stronger as we see our world tear itself asunder. We may find ourselves saying, “take me up in chariot,” “let me depart to be with Christ” and as the Prophet Jeremiah said, “I wish I had never been born! I have become a source of conflict and dissension in my own country. Even though I haven’t lent or borrowed, still everyone curses me. “ (Jeremiah 15:10, CEB).These feelings are normal brothers and sisters in Christ. Despair is taking dominion as the world is plunging into the shadow of uncertainty. Its normal to want to check out or rue the day you entered this world. But I want to remind you, your suffering will be rewarded with sparkling crowns (2 Timothy 4:18, James 1:12, Revelation 2:10); your endurance will be commended by Emmanuel (Matthew 24:13). Remember to look to Jesus as an example, He saw the cross and embraced it! He did not pass the cup in Gethsemane, He obeyed, even by death on a cross,
“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8 he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2).
What is key is Jesus saw us, He endured all to ensure our salvation and that we would be in eternity with him. That is a secret, taking your eyes off yourself and feelings of wanting to leave the world because of despair, just as Paul said, ““I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live..” (Philippians 1:23-24). Paul wanted to go home and be with Christ, but he then turned his thinking to those who needed his teaching and help,but for your sakes it is better that I continue to live.” Suicide makes people focus on themselves, their own pain and they forget all the people who look to them, love them, and will miss them. Do not give in to the python of suicide, that coils around souls with despair, despondency, and disillusionment. You must cut at the serpent of suicidal thoughts with the Savior’s sword; and saturate your heart and mind in Scripture. Fight it with the words of Life!
We may on hard days want Elijah’s Chariot, to fly away from this mess. But remember Elijah flew away after he fulfilled his calling on earth as a Prophet, Warrior of God, and Miracle Worker. He didn’t climb into the chariot in his prime, but when he was old and had conferred authority to his successor, Elisha, he was then taken up, having accomplished all that his life was for.
We don’t get to decide when we get our chariot in Christ to leave this world. We are to be ambassadors as long as we live, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God., (2 Corinthians 5:20), and we Kings & Priests, “..Jesus, the Christ, who is the faithful witness and the first begotten of the dead and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins with his own blood and has made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever, Amen,” (Revelation 1:5-6) till either our chariot of repose arrives or we are changed at Christ’s Return! You have a purpose! You are royalty! You are a Holy Nation! Do not cede your breath of life till God decides its time! Its ok to express your despair that you wish you were dead and with Christ, or were never born, but aside from telling someone you trust this, do not act upon it! The fate of suicides is not known. Catholics teach you go to hell, Lutherans teach its demonic possession that causes one to snuff out one’s life. The point is “The Way, The Truth, and Life,” gave you life. Don’t waste the precious gift. Even if you feel overcome by feelings of despair, go to The Holy Trinity in prayer, talk to a family member and or believing friend, and call a suicide hotline if you feel overcome by suicide feelings. The point is as Queen’s song goes, “Keep yourself alive!” Which is The King of King’s wish too. Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment