The Pew of Pain

You never know when it'll be your turn to sit on the front pew of a church. It's not a position of power or status, but one of deep pain and grief. I am currently sitting on pew number 8 and as I look toward the front of the church, this provoking thought arose in my spirit. "You never know when you will be on the front pew."

As that thought lingers, I had another gut wrenching thought. "You never know when you'll be front and center in that casket." Death has such a painful sting that even from pew number 8, the excruciating agony is felt in the heart.

As I look on, the front pew is packed with close family and friends. Despite the tears, they have to hold it together as they greet other mourners, accept the reality of their loss, and seek strength from God to make it through this moment in time.

They are no more chances to show love or to say the words, "I love you" to the lifeless body laying in the casket. For the one in the casket, there are no more chances to have regrets or seek repentance. Faith is sealed, eternal decisions are cemented, and the next event will be coming face to face with Jesus in judgment. I have no doubt that the one in the casket today will hear well done as he lived a life of servitude. I have no doubt he will stand faithful in that great day.

• How will you stand?

• How will we stand in that great day?

We never know when it'll be our time to sit in the front pew of the church or lay in the casket before that pew. Therefore, the Bible says in Hebrews 3:15, "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” Let's all surrender today to God and make our calling and election sure.

• Submitted by BB