NOW!

NOW!

1 John 3:2

2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

          Late last night a pastor friend of mine passed from this life into heaven. At the age of 90 years, time and illness had reduced him in physical size but his influence will be felt for years to come.

          The family related a story that is still a mystery to them. It seems that Bro. Paul would stare at the ceiling and say the word “NOW” over and over! In searching my concordance I learned that the word “now” can be found no less than 1,355 times in the Authorized Version. What could he mean by this? Being thoroughly prepared to leave this life, perhaps he was simply petitioning his Savior for an immediate departure. He wanted to leave – NOW!

          Perhaps he was beginning to see that we are already the sons of God by grace and that he was about to become “what we shall be.” Perhaps it was an epiphany! His relationship with God was not something that would be but something that is. We are God’s children NOW.

Our God, Our Help In Ages Past

Time, like an ever rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.

Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while troubles last,
And our eternal home.

Dear Lord, help us who know thee to understand how blessed we are NOW! AMEN