Lena Wms Student @Christ Gospel Church, S.S.Teacher, Observer

As a "lay person" {meaning I am not an ordained minister} I have had the privilege of witnessing several homegoings. I will relate the most special:

My Father had not lived a Christian life. He was a working alcoholic. He began his day at 4am, worked until 5pm and drank until 9pm only to do it all again until Friday. On the weekends, he would binge drink. Our family suffered many hardships because of his drinking. His nightly demeanor could change on the flip of a coin. I must tell you all this so you will understand the drastic change that happened when Jesus came into his heart at the age of 65. 

He was very sick and in the hospital. God sent a precious messenger to him to tell him again that He loved him and would change his life.This time, my Dad listened. He prayed with her. Yes, this man prayed with a woman! You see, she too had been an alcoholic. She told my Dad how Jesus had changed her life. My Dad believed her and prayed with her. 

Several days passed as my Dad went through surgery and chemo. I was called to his side Christmas Eve, when I arrived I asked to speak to my Dad alone. Dad told me he had waited for me. I asked him what he was seeing. He told me they had been waiting for him all day. When I asked who, he didn't answer, he just looked in an empty corner of the room. I told my Dad we could handle this here, and that Jesus was waiting on him. His eyes immediately brightened. He asked me if I really believed this. I assured him that I did. He smiled and took his last breath.

Sometimes, when we are the most afraid, we have to remember, Jesus who is always with us, awaits us personally on the other side. Ps 116:15, 2Cor 5:8 

I pray you are blessed by my personal experiences.
Lena

May 09 2016 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

The Scripture passage that I can think of as most closely speaking to this specific subject is Jesus' parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), and particularly Luke 16:22, where Jesus refers to the beggar Lazarus dying, and being carried by the angels to Abraham's side. 

While this passage may not be an account of literal, historical events, nor give a clear indication of one assigned guardian angel (as mentioned in the question), I think that it indicates that God's love and care for believers, and His involvement with them, will extend to their experience at death, allaying the apprehension that they might otherwise feel.

This is especially true since Jesus Himself died (under circumstances far more trying than any of us are likely to face), and fully understands both the human emotions connected with one's own death, and the rewards and joy that await those who die believing in Him (Hebrews 12:2). And, aside from the question of the presence of an angel at our death, God Himself has promised that He will never leave or forsake Christians (Hebrews 13:5). 

This assurance can be strengthened even further for believers who have taken care to thoroughly ground themselves in God's word, relying on the Bible's promises concerning the possession of eternal life by those who place their faith in Christ.

April 30 2016 • 3 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report