Tuesday, August 28, 2012

House of feasting and house of mourning compared

Pam Padgett ... teacher

Ecclesiastes 7:2 It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.

In a house of feasting, there is little (if any) thought of things other than pleasures of this world. 

But when we hear that someone has died, it reminds us that our time on this earth is temporary.  Whether we die, or whether we're still alive when Jesus returns, we are on this earth for only a time.  And we which believe the scriptures know that our time on this earth is not all there is.  When Jesus returns, the dead in Him will be raised first and then those who remain and have not yet died will, with them, meet the Lord in the air and be with Him forever. 

1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

It helps us stay sober ... focused on what is lasting and important ... to consider that the pleasures of this world are only for a time, but those who are in Christ will be with the Him forever. 

Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.