The Call

We had just gone to bed. It was late, dark, and quiet. Suddenly the ringing phone brought me to my feet. Not wanting the children to awaken, I hurried down the hall. Who would be calling so late at night? Did someone need help? Was there an emergency back home?

“Hello.” Silence. “Hello,” I repeated.

The whispered voice came through the phone into my ear, “You are going to die.” I hung up without saying anything, went back down the hall, and crawled into bed—my heart pounding! I wondered, “What does he know that I don’t?”

My husband asked, “Wrong number?” I certainly hoped so. During the time I lay awake waiting for my heart to stop pounding—but not to stop beating—many thoughts went through my mind.

Finally my sanity returned and I realized that I had not heard anything that I didn’t already know. Ever since I was a small girl, I knew that everyone eventually dies. Why didn’t I think fast enough to remind him that he is going to die also? I know where I’m going when I die. Does he know where he is going? Eventually, I drifted off to sleep.

What would have been your reaction or response to such a phone call? Perhaps paralyzing fear or anger? Would you make sure the doors and windows were locked or even call the police? Or, like me, just go back to bed and assume it was a prank call?

The prankster was mean, but he spoke the truth. I am going to die, and so are you.

Spiritually, I am prepared to die because at a young age I knew beyond a shadow of doubt that I was a sinner; I disobeyed, I lied, I was jealous. I learned in Sunday school and church and at home that God cannot allow sin into a perfect heaven. Further, I learned that Jesus came to earth to take that punishment in place of the whole human race and that when we admit our sinfulness and accept God’s gift of eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven and we are prepared for heaven.

What about you—are you prepared to die? Have you called on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation from sin? If so, great! Live like it and tell others. If not, why not? Why not now?

The call has been made. The Bible whispers or shouts:

“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”(Romans 3:23)

“It is appointed to men once to die.” (Hebrews 9:27)

“The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”(Romans 6:23)

What is your response? Will you just “hang up” and go about your life refusing to believe or even consider your destiny after your body succumbs to death? Why not reverse the call like it says in Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”? Your body will die someday, but you can live forever. Call Him today!