We All Have Days

The NFL playoff games in the recent weeks have all been very exciting with big plays, upsets and last minute changes.  Such reminded me of a big play a few years ago –

 Case Keenum, a past NFL Vikings quarterback, got it right after a win over the Saints when he declared the improbable 61 yard TD pass and run in the waning seconds of the game as the third biggest moment in his life (Jan 14, 2018).  He declared that his first great moment was when he accepted Jesus as Savior and the second was when he married his wife.  He was exactly right making those two events the number one and two days/dates that marked his life.     

 So what is your #1?  I really, really hope it is when you stepped out of eternal death into eternal life.  And, for those married – I hope that you are unequivocal in that moment at the altar when you died to you and became new – no longer one, but two made one.  When you married, it permanently altered your earthly life for the rest of your life.

 Well, Case declared number three on his list of days that marked his life the pass play that won the football game with time expiring and it might well be his number three.  I certainly hope it is not your number three (it might be if you had millions of dollars bet on the Vikings winning).  While that play and that win were exciting for some, you certainly have many a few days that could be your #3 or #4 or #5 such as graduation from college or grad school, or the birth of a child, or a job promotion, or the death of a parent or a dear friend.  Yes, we all have days or dates that mark us.

 One big day on your list must be your birthday – actually it is a given, but let’s make this #3 on your list.  Are you thankful to God, Mom, and Dad for your life?  Do you realize the miracle of your development in the womb and after birth the drawing of air and your heart beating to distribute living giving blood?  Do you realize the vast blessings you have received from God, parents, and others in being alive?  You are a miracle and wonderfully blessed!  Number 3!

Your other days or dates are most likely the births and deaths of loved ones.  Then there will be a couple of personal WOW’s or Woes high on your list.  September 11, 2001 will come in here somewhere and for some, the explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger with teacher Christa McAuliffe on board might be on your list of special days (January 28, 1986).  Some might have the assassination of President Kennedy on their list (11/22/1963).

Yes, we all have days and dates.  Oh, and one more BIG day you need to note – one you don’t have pegged yet, but others will for they will inscribe it on the headstone over your grave – the day you die.  Maybe that day should be #4 on your list.  And since it is so important, you best do all you can today to be ready for that day.  Make sure that your #1 is the #1 that Case Keenum had and if saved, to be absent from the body will find you with the Lord!

In getting ready for your #4 (if it is your death), then consider the effect of your death on others.   What will they say over your earthly house?  What will be your legacy?  What about grandkids and greats?  Will they love Jesus in part because you influenced them that way?  Will your #4 day be one of joy, relief, sorrow, or thanksgiving for those left behind?

Number 4 cometh – ready?