My 75+ year record was finally broken.  The last time I was a patient in a hospital was in 1949, after I’d contracted infantile paralysis (polio).  Over seven decades later, I noticed that my energy level was almost nil.  For a few days, I could hardly get out of my lounge chair or even eat.  That’s not me.  Especially the not eating part!

My wife noticed my stomach looked more bloated than normal!  Something was wrong.  Big time, I feared.  We went to our local Immediate Care Facility early the very next Monday morning.  After seeing numerous nurses and doctors, the conclusion was that I had to be rushed to their hospital emergency room, pronto.  Get something at home first?  Not on my life. They threatened to call an ambulance.

My wife drove me to the emergency room where care was instant.  More nurses and doctors.  Scopes and imaging while scooting me around on a wheeled mobile hospital bed.  The conclusion?  My 75+ year record was broken!  I had acute kidney failure, extremely high blood pressure, and who knows what else, as in the kitchen sink of ailments.

After two nights in our local hospital, having been poked and prodded, I’m released as my blood pressure comes way down, and the best news–the return of normal kidney function.  No kidding!  What a blessing…to be home and with my wife and feeling so much better as my appetite has come roaring back!

But this whole experience was nothing compared to what Jesus endured for us.  After dying on that wretched cross, his lifeless body was placed in a rock-hewn tomb. Thankfully, His story doesn’t end there. Jesus rises from death into glorious eternal life!  Raised up and exalted!

Acts 2: 31-33–‘…the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.  This Jesus God raised up, and of that, we are all witnesses.  Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God…’

Jesus was never abandoned to death’s domain.  Neither corruption nor decay consumed His body. God raised up Jesus!  Seated Him at the Almighty’s right hand evermore.  Acts 2: 23-24–‘…this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.  God raised him up, loosening the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.’

That’s good news for Jesus.  And for us.  By faith in God’s Son, we will walk a similar path.  Okay, the body takes a trip south as we age.  I’m sure my current six-year hospital-free record will be broken at some unknown time. But ultimately I’ll be with Him in glory.  Raised up when my time comes.  No hospitals there.  No salt-free diets.  No tubes to be tied up to.  No meds you can barely swallow.  No nurses waking you up at 3am. Certainly no imaging tubes to be shoved into like a stuffed sausage.

None of the above.  All we’ll need is the presence of the Great Physician Jesus.  Who needs anything or anyone more?  Not me.  That will be glory for me. Truly heavenly. You too?

Thank you, Jesus, for just everything.  Amen.