Time is Passing!

Dear Readers!

God’s Peace and God’s Blessings to you in this New Year!

In our first conversation for this New Year, I will reflect upon the passing of time. It surely seems as though time is marching on so quickly. These years move by so quickly. I am now 48 years old. I can remember my childhood and growing up years as if it were yesterday. We each are getting older one day at a time. It will not be long before we will be of an age where we will be facing eternity for certain. We know we could face this day today or another other day. However, we know from experience that in this time, our Lord has seen fit to limit the age of man to usually no more that 100 years. Mostly though, it is between 70 and 90 years. This is if we are not stricken with all the numerous diseases, afflictions or accidents that beset man because of the sin that entered the world with Adam and Eve. These are the realities we face.

Probably the reason I am reflecting on this is because this week I will be attending two funerals of dear beloved elders. One of these that went to glory was the mother of Paul Somero, and mother in law of Pastor Jim Maunu and Pastor Orval Wirkkala who are all on the Foreign Mission board. She was 87. The other one is the Father of Pastor Colin Kinnunen who is also on the Foreign Mission board. He was 80. In both cases, it is very sad to see our elders pass on, but it is with great joy that we have the assurance that they are today in Glory in Heaven above. In Heaven there is no sorrow, no sadness or pain. There is no parting over there! They have joined even my earthly father in the singing and rejoicing that goes on continually before our Lord in Heaven. What a joy this reality is! I am sure they would not want to come back to this sin cursed earth. Rather, they will enjoy the presence of the Lord forever!

I am reminded of a song that we often sing here in the USA. Maybe you know it as well. The chorus goes, He could have called ten thousand angels, to destroy and world and set him free. He could have called ten thousand angels, but He died alone, for you and me.

I am rejoicing that the Lord gave up his life here on earth, after He had fulfilled the mission and tasks at hand. He did not call the angels down from heaven to help him. No He died alone for you and me. He gave up His own life, so we can have life eternal. He gave up His own life, so that He could win the victory for death, hell, and the power of the devil! He gave up His own life, so that now while He is in Heaven, He can send those angels to bring our loved ones up to Him for all eternity. This is what happened this week for our two beloved elders here in America. This is what happens to all those Christian everywhere that are believing by Faith in the complete Redemptive work of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let us praise and thank God that in His perfect plan, that through the eternal life giving work of His dear Son our Lord Jesus Christ, that there is a hope beyond this life. 2 Tim. 4:8 (KJV)
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

In the Eternal Name of Jesus

Yours in Christ! John Ruotsala