Bible Study Why Did She Die?

[Chopper]

John 17:24 "Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world."

This is not only an explanation of why some wonderful Christians die young or other wise, it is also a tribute to one of the most godly women who have gone on to be with the Lord Jesus. That woman was my beloved Wife Jennie who died of cancer at the age of 50 in 1993.

Jennie and I served the Lord Jesus side by side for 17 years. She was the perfect Pastor's Wife. The Scripture above is one that for me, explains why dedicated Christians die in the Lord. Lets look at what Jesus says in His High Priestly Prayer, as we sometimes call it.... I desire that they (Jennie) also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am.

Now, that is a prayer that Jesus the Son of God has asked of His Father. In 1990, Jennie was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer with only two years to live. At that time, I had been the Pastor of three Baptist Churches and let me tell you that there were literally thousands of folk who were praying for her to be healed.

The thought of me going on without her was not an option. It seemed that I searched the Scriptures for any verse that seemed to promise physical healing. At that time, we were attending a Holiness Pentecostal Church and the Pastor was a noted Evangelist who was successful praying for the sick and they recovered. I began my Pentecostal training because Baptist theology is not that great for healing.

When Jennie died and went on to be with Jesus, the verse in John 17 was my only source of peace. I admired and loved this woman named Jennie who fit the role of a virtuous woman. Most of all, Jesus loved her more than I did and as a result, He rewarded her by taking her to Heaven and the New Jerusalem where she waits for me even today.

The point that I want to make is this....When I prayed for Jennie's healing, I was unaware that Jesus had already prayed to His Father that Jennie would leave this earth and come to be where Jesus was. Now, there are two prayers before the Father. One is Jesus' and also thousands are folk who loved Jennie and wanted her to stay and be healed.

Which prayer is the Father going to answer? I believe that there are times when the Father says to His Son, "sorry Jesus, we'll heal this one for now. Other times, He says to Jesus, Ok Son, lets bring her Home.

I hope this blesses your heart and helps to understand a little about the death of a loved one who loved the Lord and His Father.

 

[JohnDB]

We never really understand fully why when told "No" when asking for healing.

Hezekiah didn't understand when told he could have another ten years either. Because the blood spilled on account of Manasseh was horrific... The fires and smoke of all the Torah scrolls was immense as well. It simply didn't make sense. (Conceived and born during those ten years)

Even go this day we look at those scriptures and scratch our heads.

And so...when looking at God's choices in the past other than healing and blessings we see wisdom beyond measure and unimaginable goodness. It becomes clear that God has a plan and is actively seeking it's fruition.

When sorrows like sea billows roll...
Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say even so it is well with my soul.

 

[Eugene]

Brother Chopper, that was beautiful, and worthy of the glory Jennie gave our Lord when she arrived. We weep, but it is Jesus who gave His life for her, and what great reward and blessings beyond our imagination she has in the very presence of our Savior.

I sometime wonder at the things Paul seen when he was caught up into Paradise in:
2Co 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
2Co 12:3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
2Co 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Now my understanding of this is that it was not that he wasn't allowed to tell of what he saw, but there were not words available. Dear Sister Jennie, what you could advise us of such as your dear husband Chopper left behind as a legacy and testimony.
1 Tim 6:12, Fight the good fight of faith?, and
2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
2 Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Your work among us dear heart precedes you unto that blessed day that you too will have finished your race as Jessie did hers. Praise God, and thank you for being a part of our fellowship in Jesus' name.

 

[Chopper]

Brother Chopper, that was beautiful, and worthy of the glory Jennie gave our Lord when she arrived. We weep, but it is Jesus who gave His life for her, and what great reward and blessings beyond our imagination she has in the very presence of our Savior.

I sometime wonder at the things Paul seen when he was caught up into Paradise in:
2Co 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
2Co 12:3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
2Co 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Now my understanding of this is that it was not that he wasn't allowed to tell of what he saw, but there were not words available. Dear Sister Jennie, what you could advise us of such as your dear husband Chopper left behind as a legacy and testimony.
1 Tim 6:12, Fight the good fight of faith?, and
2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
2 Tim 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Your work among us dear heart precedes you unto that blessed day that you too will have finished your race as Jessie did hers. Praise God, and thank you for being a part of our fellowship in Jesus' name.

Thank you my dear friend Eugene. Those are comforting words indeed. There were so many women who benefited greatly from her advise and counsel. She is still missed after all these years and people still talk about her wonderful relationship with our Savior and His Word.

 

[reba]

 

[for_his_glory]

It's hard to understand the mind of God in matters such as the physical death of a loved one, but we must trust Him in all things. When my Grandmother passed away my siblings could not understand why I could not cry for her. I did not cry for I knew she was in a better safer place with no more pain, no more sickness and someday we will be united again. This might sound weird, but I get a little jealous when one who is in Christ goes home to be with Him and I am still here on this earth with all my aches and pains, but whatever this flesh goes through I know God strengthens me to endure day by day until I too will be in paradise with Him.

Chopper, you have the blessing of all the wonderful memories of your wife who was truly loved by you and by many others as she was an amazing servant of God and she has won her race. God bless you my friend for all you do as a faithful servant.

 

[iLOVE]

John 17:24 "Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world."

This is not only an explanation of why some wonderful Christians die young

This is the Holy Spirit speaking through you to iLove. Thank you Father God for using this mighty anointed man of God to minister to us. In Jesus mighty name, Amen.

 

[JohnDB]

Isaiah 57:1-3

 

[Hospes]

I hope this blesses your heart and helps to understand a little about the death of a loved one who loved the Lord and His Father.

For me, consider your hope fulfilled. Thank you.

 

[Chopper]

It's hard to understand the mind of God in matters such as the physical death of a loved one, but we must trust Him in all things. When my Grandmother passed away my siblings could not understand why I could not cry for her. I did not cry for I knew she was in a better safer place with no more pain, no more sickness and someday we will be united again. This might sound weird, but I get a little jealous when one who is in Christ goes home to be with Him and I am still here on this earth with all my aches and pains, but whatever this flesh goes through I know God strengthens me to endure day by day until I too will be in paradise with Him.

Chopper, you have the blessing of all the wonderful memories of your wife who was truly loved by you and by many others as she was an amazing servant of God and she has won her race. God bless you my friend for all you do as a faithful servant.

Thank you my dear Sister. I know that you'll understand this because you're a godly woman. Jennie sacrificed so very much of her own desires so that she could put me thru Bible College and our two Children thru Christian Academy. Being a Pastor's Wife is not an easy calling. She had an enormous ministry to the women of each Church I was the Pastor. It's no wonder that Jesus wanted her with Him. My Son Skip and Daughter Peggy and I miss her terribly even now.

May God bless you Dear Sister, and thank you for all the godly instruction that you post in this wonderful Forum. I love you very much and I know that my hero Reba loves you as well.

 

[Chopper]

This is the Holy Spirit speaking through you to iLove. Thank you Father God for using this mighty anointed man of God to minister to us. In Jesus mighty name, Amen.

O my, words can't express what your words mean to me, thank you. If all I do in this life is to bless someone like you, my journey will be complete. My mind goes back to a nursing home in Rockland, Maine to a room where there was a man with no arms or legs due to a terrible disease. A nurse told me that no one visits him.

I took that as God's prodding for me to speak to him. His name was Clifford Pendleton. In short, he was hungry for the Lord. No one had ever told him of the love of Jesus. I was honored to hear his prayer of forgiveness of his sins and the reception of Jesus the Son of God to be his Lord and Savior. He died about a month later and went home to Jesus. Praise the Lord.

 

[Chopper]

For me, consider your hope fulfilled. Thank you.

Thank you my Brother. It is my honor to speak of these heavenly words to your heart.

 

[for_his_glory]

Thank you my dear Sister. I know that you'll understand this because you're a godly woman. Jennie sacrificed so very much of her own desires so that she could put me thru Bible College and our two Children thru Christian Academy. Being a Pastor's Wife is not an easy calling. She had an enormous ministry to the women of each Church I was the Pastor. It's no wonder that Jesus wanted her with Him. My Son Skip and Daughter Peggy and I miss her terribly even now.

May God bless you Dear Sister, and thank you for all the godly instruction that you post in this wonderful Forum. I love you very much and I know that my hero Reba loves you as well.

I thought I was your hero..................way to go reba and you can have your rolling pin back ...................great now I have to give reba a hug........................

 

[Chopper]

I thought I was your hero..................way to go reba and you can have your rolling pin back ...................great now I have to give reba a hug........................

O dear me. Can I have two hero's? Reba, is it ok for Glory Girl to be a hero too?

 

[Chopper]

O my, words can't express what your words mean to me, thank you. If all I do in this life is to bless someone like you, my journey will be complete. My mind goes back to a nursing home in Rockland, Maine to a room where there was a man with no arms or legs due to a terrible disease. A nurse told me that no one visits him.

I took that as God's prodding for me to speak to him. His name was Clifford Pendleton. In short, he was hungry for the Lord. No one had ever told him of the love of Jesus. I was honored to hear his prayer of forgiveness of his sins and the reception of Jesus the Son of God to be his Lord and Savior. He died about a month later and went home to Jesus. Praise the Lord.

I just remembered that Clifford said, when I asked him if anyone had told him about Jesus, he said no. I couldn't believe it. He had suffered so very much in his short lifetime. He seemed like a person I would have enjoyed as a friend, he was so polite and soft spoken. When I started telling him how much Jesus loved him and went to the Cross to die so his sins could be forgiven and he could go to heaven, his eyes watered up. Boy, I knew that Jesus was already hugging him on the inside of his small torso.

I'll never forget the feeling of utter joy that I felt after he received Jesus as his Savior. No one had ever shared Jesus the Son of God with him, ever. I think he was 47 years old. When I left the nursing home that day, I had so much joy in my heart I thought I could fly. O my friends, what joy there is in telling people about Jesus. It makes no difference, at first, if they respond to an invitation or not. What matters most is we step beyond that scary moment of thought that they'll make fun of you or be angry, what matters is we share the good news of Salvation to the lost.

Clifford Pendleton is in Heaven today because someone told him about the love of Jesus. I can't wait to see him again with arms and legs.

 

[for_his_glory]

I just remembered that Clifford said, when I asked him if anyone had told him about Jesus, he said no. I couldn't believe it. He had suffered so very much in his short lifetime. He seemed like a person I would have enjoyed as a friend, he was so polite and soft spoken. When I started telling him how much Jesus loved him and went to the Cross to die so his sins could be forgiven and he could go to heaven, his eyes watered up. Boy, I knew that Jesus was already hugging him on the inside of his small torso.

I'll never forget the feeling of utter joy that I felt after he received Jesus as his Savior. No one had ever shared Jesus the Son of God with him, ever. I think he was 47 years old. When I left the nursing home that day, I had so much joy in my heart I thought I could fly. O my friends, what joy there is in telling people about Jesus. It makes no difference, at first, if they respond to an invitation or not. What matters most is we step beyond that scary moment of thought that they'll make fun of you or be angry, what matters is we share the good news of Salvation to the lost.

Clifford Pendleton is in Heaven today because someone told him about the love of Jesus. I can't wait to see him again with arms and legs.

People just need to get out of their comfort zones and let the light of Christ shine through them.
Chopper your reward is stored up in heaven for your witness to this man and God bless the works you do for the Lord.

 

[Chopper]

People just need to get out of their comfort zones and let the light of Christ shine through them.
Chopper your reward is stored up in heaven for your witness to this man and God bless the works you do for the Lord.

Thank you for those kind words. I'll just bet that you don't let very many witnessing opportunities slip by.

 

[for_his_glory]

Thank you for those kind words. I'll just bet that you don't let very many witnessing opportunities slip by.

I try not to, but do miss a few at times.

 

[Chopper]

I try not to, but do miss a few at times.

O my, that reminds me of a failed opportunity to witness to a homeless fellow. That was around 1987. I was the senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Turners Falls, MA. I was driving into Town and noticed a homeless man down at the Park sitting at a picnic table. I'd seen him a number of time at the Park.

This day, it seemed that the Holy Spirit was attempting to get me to go down and tell him about Jesus. I was in a hurry, as usual, and did not go down. I think it was on a Monday, on Friday of that same week, I read in the newspaper that he had jumped off the bridge in Town to his death. O my, that has stayed in my memory all these years. You can bet. The next time I believe the Lord wants me to witness to anyone, I DO!!

 

[for_his_glory]

O my, that reminds me of a failed opportunity to witness to a homeless fellow. That was around 1987. I was the senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Turners Falls, MA. I was driving into Town and noticed a homeless man down at the Park sitting at a picnic table. I'd seen him a number of time at the Park.

This day, it seemed that the Holy Spirit was attempting to get me to go down and tell him about Jesus. I was in a hurry, as usual, and did not go down. I think it was on a Monday, on Friday of that same week, I read in the newspaper that he had jumped off the bridge in Town to his death. O my, that has stayed in my memory all these years. You can bet. The next time I believe the Lord wants me to witness to anyone, I DO!!

Ya, that would stay with you, but a lesson learned. I feel bad for the ones I did walk by and not speak a word to them. We don't just jump in and push Gods word down their throat, but we start with a simple conversation.