More than a cousin

(True Story, Names have been altered).

Sam and Terry were more than cousins, partners in mischief and 70 years of knowing each other as only best buds can.

Then Sam was on his death bed. He had massed a fortune in guns, ammo, antiques, collectibles and money.

The extended family was called to the home for a weekend reunion of sharing, gift-giving and to say their goodbyes.

Terry needed a ride, he was in another state. Bob, another relative who lived near Terry, did not want to offer. The family ganged together and told Terry who needed a ride, “You can come, and Bob will give you a ride, but you have to promise all of us, that you will not mention the name of Jesus. 4 hrs up, 2 days on site and 4 hours home. No Jesus!”

This info was given by 2 family members who professed to be Christians, telling Terry, “Do not mention the name of Jesus in this place or on your journey. We believe Bob is a new believer, but he and everyone in this place gets nervous when Jesus is mentioned. So do not mention the name!”

After much distress, Sam and Terry decided instead that Sam would have Terry call him every day and read him scriptures as heaven prepared his arrival.

Jesus was mutually shared between Sam (the dying Christian) and Terry (the Living Christian), every day for 2 more weeks on the phone. The call was scheduled at the same time every day until Heaven’s departure. Even when Sam could not hold the phone, his wife held it to Sam’s ear.

After Sam went to heaven all the family had to say to Terry (Sam’s lifelong buddy and cousin) was, “You can watch the funeral on FB. He has passed away.”

There was no inheritance or memorabilia for Terry who refused to deny the Name of Jesus in order to attend the family reunion; but, there will be a greater heavenly inheritance and reward in Heaven when Jesus hugs Terry and says, “Well done!”

Jesus meant it when he said those in your household of relatives will be your enemies (try to silence you). In Matt 12, Jesus’ relatives wanted to silence him.

Many times Disciples were beaten and/or kicked out of town and told, “Do not mention the Name of Jesus anymore in this place!” Steven was stoned to death; because, he could not stop talking about Jesus.

Many Christians reading this would have no problem going 4 days without mentioning Jesus or sharing their faith, for that is their normal way of life. Many have never mentioned Jesus name at a family reunion.

Note:”To deny him seems to be easy when one does not normally acknowledge him anyway.”

But when he has become a part of who you are, his name slips out, as automatic as breathing.

Don’t be surprised when this happens to you, it is part of the journey when as a disciple you follow Jesus.

It was true back then, still is, and always will be, until the end of this age.

Matthew 10:32-40

“Therefore whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man’s enemies will be the members of his household.’ “He who loves father or mother more than Me isn’t worthy of Me, and he who loves son or daughter more than Me isn’t worthy of Me. And whoever does not take up his cross and follow after Me isn’t worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

“He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me. (TLV)