Resurrection The Promise

In John Chapter 11: 25-26, we read, “I am the Resurrection, I am life eternal. Anyone who clings to me in faith, even though he dies, will live forever. And the one who lives believing in Me, will never die.” Until a few decades ago, we were not accustomed to hearing many “Near Death” experiences. Soon, several spoke of, wrote books about, and made movies about this experience, meeting Jesus face to face. I would like to share one of these accounts involving my Mother-in-Law, and a pastor's wife, Thelma S. Thelma was in a near fatal car accident in 1970. I didn't realize until last year, that I was the only one she shared her “complete” experience with. And the Lord has been leading me to share this for several months now. The following is her account, in her words: “After the accident, I found myself moving through a tunnel of beautiful multi-colored light beams. In the distance a man was walking toward me, I knew it was Jesus! I felt this powerful presence of a peace and love that completely surrounded and overwhelmed me. Jesus asked me if I was ready to come with him? For just a moment I hesitated and looked back. I saw my badly broken body lying on an operating table with my husband draped over me crying, “Thelma please come back! I need you! Our 7 children need you! Lord, please don't take her from us now.” Jesus noticed this sudden reluctance, even though He knew it was not for myself but for my husband and family that I hesitated. He asked me if I wanted to go back. He told me if I chose to, I would be returning to the terrible pain of a badly injured body, but He would be with me through all things. Suddenly I returned, and a heartbeat appeared on the hospital monitor.” The Lord saw Thelma through all that was to come. He healed and blessed her and gave her 55 more years on earth. Twelve years ago, Thelma suffered a massive stroke. Her complete digestive system was shut down. She asked to leave the Hospice Center and return home and was transported there. She could only speak and move her arms. At least one family member was by her side day and night praying and caring for her. A day before her passing, she pointed up toward the ceiling and smiled. She said, “I see a man, and I know who He is.” The Lord took her home soon after at the age of 85 years. Let us all reflect on the greatest gift; that Jesus came to earth, lived, died, and arose for. That all of us who believe in him shall have everlasting life. His passion was for us! Every lash of the whip, a crown of thorns, nails driven into His hands and feet, punishment meant for our sins, were all for our freedom from sin, death and the grave. We can thankfully say, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death where is your victory? O Death where is you sting? Philippians 1:21 says, “For me, living in Christ and dying is gain.” Thank you for allowing me to share Thelma's story here on LiveHim. Jesus has surely given us victory over death and the grave! When I think of Thelma, I remember the lady who met Jesus face to face twice! She didn't just love Jesus, she Lived Him!