60 Seconds

I am stood under a cherry blossom tree in the hospital gardens, 2 metres apart from other colleagues, head bowed and sun beating down on my neck.

Some of those gathered have endured the loss of family to this cruel disease, so my heart goes out to them especially.

We are all grateful for the NHS and for all those who serve while putting their own lives at risk. Rightly, we also pay our respects to those who have given their lives, the same as we do on November 11th for those lost in the war.

Life is precious and valuable, but why?

Someone Gave His Life For Me

As I stand, my thoughts turn to someone who gave His life for me.

Someone who died so I could live.

Someone who has forgiven and saved me from my sin.

Jesus.

His body still bears the scars from His suffering. Jesus’ gruesome death in exchange for our salvation is how deep God the Father loved you and me.

For the believer, death does not have the last word, Jesus does. God has given us a choice, whether to believe or not, and with that choice come eternal consequences.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”—(John 3:16).

Your life is valuable because of who you are. You are made in the image of God.

“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness’”—(Genesis 1:26 ESV).

Face To Face With Death

COVID-19 has seen daily death rates broadcast across news channels and social media so regularly that it is impossible to miss. We are face to face with death, a topic we often avoid but at the moment we can’t.

I don’t think that’s a mistake.

I think the Lord loves you so much that He is giving you the chance to ask yourself the following question: why is your life valuable and which eternal choice have you made?

Those 60 seconds passed slower than you would imagine. It was a harrowing moment for many of us.

As 11:01 approached management concluded with these words; “60 seconds, 1 conclusion: life is valuable.” They are right.

Date: Tuesday 5th May 2020

Time: 11:00

My train of thought is much the same today as it was a week ago, only this week things have been brought much closer to home. A friend of mine occupies a bed in intensive care. That friend is still fighting but at this point only the Lord knows the outcome.

What if you were in that bed? Would Christ be by your side? The choice you make for eternity is the only one that will count in that moment … and forevermore.

As tears trickle down my face, I beg you, please choose Christ.

What is our hope in life and death?
Christ alone, Christ alone.
What is our only confidence?
That our souls to Him belong.
Who holds our days within His hand?
What comes, apart from His command?
And what will keep us to the end?
The love of Christ, in which we stand.