Just a little while ago my brother Bill, A fellow Marine, my son-in-law’s father, took his last breath and ended his earthly suffering. So, Where did he go? Well let me tell you what Jesus said about our leaving this life. When He was horribly suffering on the cross, the criminal hanging next to Him said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom. Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, TODAY YOU WILL BE WITH ME IN PARADISE.“ (Luke 23:42-43) In studying this passage, I’ve read all kinds of “theories” about what Jesus meant, I prefer to believe the “…simplicity that is in Christ.” (2 Corin. 11:3) which says, “…today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Notice that “Paradise” is capitalized, referring to an actual place. I believe BILL IS WITH JESUS in Paradise, TODAY. The Greek term, paradeisos, was used to translate the Hebrew word referring to the garden of Eden. So many suggest the use in (Luke 23:42-43) suggests a return to the place God originally created for man. Jesus says this “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the TREE OF LIFE, which is in the midst of the PARADISE OF GOD.” (Rev. 2:7)
Please allow me to share with you my last moments with Bill, I have been struggling with my health and have difficulty getting around much so I’m sorry to say, I was not able to spend much time with Bill when he needed me but of course I have been praying for him. The day before he went to be with Jesus, I was able to go and pray with Bill. He was suffering physically, cancer and other ailments but he was troubled emotionally and that’s what concerned me as I prayed. The most WONDERFULLY AWESOME EVENT a human could ever experience was about to happen to Bill. I felt led to pray for BILL TO EXPERIENCE GOD’S PERFECT PEACE that goes way beyond our ability to understand. “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed (sâmak, propped up, to lean) on You, Because he trusts in You.” (Isa. 26:3) Bill, “…you are experiencing God’s peace, which exceeds ANYTHING WE CAN UNDERSTAND.” (Phil. 4:7)
-Bill Stockham