Craig Clouston

His Wonderful Light

… A people belonging to God … who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9

As they gathered around Jerry’s hospital bed, what happened next could only be described as something otherworldly. Jerry had been battling cancer for two years, and the doctors had called the family together, sure he would not live through the night.

As they prayed, a smile appeared on Jerry’s face, and he began to chuckle. His countenance changed from one of unrest to serene peace. Jerry’s chuckling grew into joy-filled laughter, his smile a tooth-exposing grin. In the span of thirty seconds, the laughter became so contagious that everyone in the room was affected. 

Tears appeared at the corner of Jerry’s eyes, and as suddenly as the laughter began, it subsided. His body became still, his smile transfixed. His eyes snapped open. It was evident to everyone in the room Jerry was looking directly at something or Someone. His vision narrowed momentarily, then recognition crossed his face. Tears flowed like rivers down both cheeks; they fell past his ears and onto his pillow. Two words escaped his lips in the briefest of whispers: “My Jesus!” Jerry closed his eyes, took two more breaths, and was still. His spirit had departed, yet the smile remained.

†

Dying is when time ceases to exist and eternity is met face to face.

Many people testify to loved ones speaking the name of Jesus or seeing a bright light at the moment of their death.

The hope we have in Jesus transcends this world. It is the promise that we will spend eternity with our heavenly Father. In Him there is no darkness.

The antithesis of that promise is an eternity void of our Creator, and with that void comes a knowledge of our need for salvation due to our sin, yet never receiving it. Faced with the understanding that we will not escape this world alive, the choice we make today will determine where we spend all our tomorrows.

For those who believe and call on the name of Jesus, death is when you close your eyes and walk into His wonderful light.

Prayer

“Lord of light, send your Spirit to testify to the truth of eternity. Work in the hearts of men and women, boys and girls, unto salvation. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”