Monday, January 19, 2015

Where the Tree Falls

"Where the tree falls, there shall it be," was a phrase heard in many an Amish sermon. Usually followed by warnings of how important it is to live in a way that when you die you're not doing something you wouldn't want to be doing when you meet Jesus. Because what ever you were doing or thinking at that moment, that is how you, the tree, will have fallen, and that's how you will be resurrected.

I was reminded of this last evening when someone shared a picture of the tombstone of one of my uncles.
Photo by Mark Earnest Burr. Used by permission.

When he had died people were horrified. He had been helping one of his "English" neighbors and was driving a four wheeler, he had an accident and died at the scene.

"He drove right into Jesus with a four wheeler," people would comment and shake their heads sadly. What hope he had, had been dashed because of what he had been doing at the time of his death.

I still remember the awful horror we felt when we heard about what happened, but looking at that picture last night I realized how different we view things now, and how very thankful I am for that.

I no longer believe the little thing you are thinking or doing at the time of your death will determine where you spend eternity. But there is truth in that falling tree statement. You either die forgiven, a child of God, or not. There will be no changing that state afterwards.

10 comments:

  1. Your last statement is so true Mary Ann. I am glad though that the knowledge of God's saving grace is in you now. I do think we should always strive to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to Him.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. I agree, we should always try to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to Him.

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  2. Wow, this was so interesting and sad. You are so right, once death comes it's too late to make a decision to accept the Lord. Today is the day to determine what happens tomorrow.

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  3. Fascinating ,hearing the ways of the Amish. Sounds like a tough row to hoe, to be always within compliance. I agree with the basic premise about " where the tree falls " but I also believe in a loving,forgiving God. Surely mercy befalls those that help their neighbors be they " English " or not,

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  4. Ugh! This sounds a lot like the church to which my mother used to belong. She would never go to Las Vegas; her reason was not that she didn't enjoy gambling (she didn't) but rather that Judgment Day might come and "Jesus would find her there".

    I feel God looks at your whole life, He sees your heart, and there is no reason to fear, because Jesus died for your sins. As long as your "love the Lord your God with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself" you have no reason to fear.

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  5. That's the difference between Christianity and other religions. We know that whatever we are doing, provided we have accepted Jesus into our lives, that we will be with Him.

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  6. I agree totally, but I want to do nothing that Jesus would not approve of, as He is always with us believers. I find adequate guidelines for that in the Bible. Of course, people twist, add, or take away from it. I want to please Him with everything I do, though I fail often.

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  7. Interesting!
    I had never heard about that aspect of Amish beliefs.
    It reminds me of a Buddhist idea I heard about in a History class. They believe that one's thoughts at the moment of death can determine wether or not one is reincarnated.

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  8. Learning of the Amish ways and beliefs is interesting. I am like Joanie, I do not want to be doing anything that Jesus would not approve of, and He does know everything. We never know when our time is up and we need to be found Ready not Getting Ready.

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Thank you so much for taking time to comment. I love hearing your thoughts.