“May They Rest in Peace”

These words have been repeated in thousands of graveyards all over the world TODAY. But these words, uttered solemnly by a priest, minister, or religious leader, fail to bring comfort to the broken - hearted families and friends who stand weeping at the graveside of their loved one.

The reality is that those who have been laid to rest had not planned to be buried TODAY. In fact, many of them had made long - term plans concerning the rest of their lives. Most of them had aspirations, and felt secure concerning the future.

This reminds us of the man Jesus spoke of in Chapter 12 of Luke’s Gospel. That man, who had no interest in what God might do, said – ‘This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, thou hast much goods laid up FOR MANY YEARS; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” ’ 1

He had made great plans, and was certainly looking forward to MANY YEARS of ease and comfort. But although he had been very careful to make preparations for a long, comfortable life, he had made no preparations at all concerning his death. Obviously, he expected to live for MANY YEARS. So even if he realised his need to get right with God, he probably felt there was no urgency. He would put it off until a later date. There was still plenty of time. Or so he thought!

What a shock it must have been when God said to him – ‘Thou fool, THIS NIGHT thy soul shall be required of thee.’ 2 Time had run out, and now it was too late.

But the reality and seriousness of what God said to this man concerns not only him, but all of us. This is highlighted in the following verses of Scripture - ‘What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? ’ 3 ; ‘And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement..’ 4 ; “There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death’. 5

For many people TODAY is the last day of their lives. TODAY is the very last opportunity they will ever get to have their sins forgiven and to get right with God. The following verses from God’s Word highlight the urgency of the situation – ‘TODAY, if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts’. 6 ; ‘I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation’. 7

Friend, you need to ask God to save you TODAY! TOMORROW may be TOO LATE! Time may have run out!

The thief on the cross next to Jesus realised that TODAY was, in fact, his last opportunity to be saved. Time was running out. TOMORROW would be too late. There would be no opportunity for him TOMORROW. Realising his need, he cried out – ‘Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.’ 8 The Saviour replied – ‘TODAY shalt thou be with me in paradise.’ 8

Jesus was suffering and dying on the cross for the sins of all who, like the thief, will cry to Him for mercy. He will forgive and save all who repent of their sins and put their faith in Him, trusting Him as Saviour. The sinner can be saved from eternal damnation by believing that the penalty for the guilt of his sins was paid in full when Jesus suffered and died upon the cross as his substitute.

Just before He died, Jesus cried out – ‘IT IS FINISHED.’ 9 The work of salvation was complete. He had purchased eternal redemption for all who will put their faith in Him.

Shortly after his death, some of Jesus’ friends took His body down from the cross and buried Him. But three days later He rose from the dead. He is alive TODAY, and is seated at His Father’s right hand in Heaven, as the ONLY mediator between God and man.

Friend, you have no guarantee that you will be alive TOMORROW! You have no guarantee that you will ever again have the opportunity that God has given to you TODAY! He has given to you TODAY the opportunity to reach out to Him by faith and to trust Him to save you from the penalty for sin, which is conscious, everlasting punishment in Hell.

But perhaps you are like the man who believed he would live FOR MANY YEARS? Maybe you feel there is plenty of time left, and that perhaps at a later date you will consider your spiritual condition? But what if time runs out? It will then be too late! What a tragedy if God were to say to you TODAY – ‘Thou fool, THIS NIGHT thy soul shall be require of thee.’ 10 Perhaps TOMORROW somebody will be standing at YOUR graveside saying – “May he / she rest in peace.”

If you have not yet repented of your sins and put your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour, may I encourage you to do so TODAY. If you have not yet responded to God’s offer of Salvation may I remind you of the urgency of making this decision.

Jesus says –‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me’. 11

Why not ask Him to forgive you and to save you TODAY? Why not ask Him into your life as Lord and Saviour TODAY? God says in His Word -

“NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION.” 12


© Dick Keogh

Scripture References:
1: Luke 12 v 18,19
2: Luke 12 v 20
3: Psalm 89 v 48
4: Hebrews 9 v 27
5: Ecclesiastes 8 v 8
6: Hebrews 3 v 7
7: 2Corinthians 6 v 2
8: Luke 23 v 42, 43
9: John 19 v 30
10: Luke 12 v 20
11:Revelation 3 v 20
12: 2 Cor. 6 v 2