Near Death Experiences

This past month has seen plenty of situations to remind us of our mortality. The genocide in Kosovo barely paused as Easter passed. ANZAC day reminded us again of the horrors and sacrifice of wars past. The school-yard massacre in Colerado reminds us of the consequences of a generation with no hope and the anarchy of life without boundaries. Our hearts go out to all those touched by these horrors.

People's reactions to death in each of these situations varies greatly according to ones personal distance from the situation. But its the "Near Death" experiences of people who have gone to the brink that is most interesting. Almost universally, I hear reports of people saying that "their life flashed before their eyes", and of typically travelling through a tunnel to a place full of light. Most interesting, is their reports that on coming back from the brink of death, they have a whole new perspective on what is really important in their life. The I-centricity gives way to focus on family and community.

This "Near Death" experience very closely mirrors the Christian conversion experience. There is an initial awareness of the short-comings and sin in ones life so far, then awareness of a better 'place' beyond death. Finally, there comes a re-evaluation of lifes priorities.

As we celebrated Easter and as we come to communion, we again have the opportunity of coming 'near' to the death of Jesus, and to remind ourselves that we as Christians have already 'died' to our old carnal natures. We have been freed from the power of sin, in order to live our 'new' lives according to God's priorities.

GTB

From the Prayer & Share column (edited by Graeme Bentley) of the weekly newsletter of:
Heathmont Baptist Church, 78 Cuthbert St. Heathmont, Vic. 3135, Australia.
Ph: +61-3-9738-0455,    FAX: +61-3-9729-3008
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