Lesson 115: “It Is Not Yet Our Time”

Kentucky Chaplain David Chaltas

It was not yet our time. But it was a wakeup call. My friend Danny and I were returning from a glorious weekend adventure in which we blitzed Knoxville’s art exhibit at the Blount House, attended a dedication/memorial service at Annapolis, MD, for the Navy and Marines, and went to Gettysburg, PA. We were tired but feeling good. We had just paid our respects to General Lee and Jackson at Lexington, Virginia, and were back on I81, heading for home. I had been going the speed limit but for some reason, I decided to show how my timer worked that was on my console. I set my cruise control and pushed the timer. For some unknown reason, I set it five miles per hour slower than what I had been going. Ahead of us was an eighteen-wheeler in the right lane and I decided to pass since I was gaining upon him. As I came upon his rear bumper, smoke started coming from his dual tires behind the cab. All of a sudden the dual tires came off with debris from the pads went flying everywhere. I did not have time to hit my brakes before the two tires (joined by the hub and break drum) came right beside of me for the longest few seconds of my life. They could have gone in any direction. But the touch of the Master’s hand led them to the middle section of the highway. If I had been two seconds earlier…

All Dan could say was, “Thank you Lord,” over and over again, as tears streamed down his eyes. I too had tears of gratitude and such a joy in my life to be spared that I laughed at the least little thing. It was not yet our time. But it was a wake up call. Both of us promised our good Saviour to become more earnest in our devotions and set better examples than previously. I am grateful for yet another chance at waking up in the morning.

I was also reminded of General Lee, General Longstreet, and their staff at the Battle of Maryes Height when a cannon exploded, knocking them down to the ground. Addled, they slowly got to their feet and General Lee calmly said, “Gentlemen, it is not yet our time.” When one is prepared, one can be ready for that appointed hour. Or does the fear of death linger within our deepest thoughts and silences the blessed assurance that we possess when in Christ?

The Bible tell us in Luke 12:4-7, “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” It is appointed unto man a time to die but my religion teaches me to believe that Christ intercedes on my behalf, and offers me opportunities to find my destiny linked to servitude to God. I felt God’s presence on that day. I felt the flutter of a wing brush my spirit and say, “Not yet, but now that I have your attention!” I listened with both ears attuned and rejoiced for the diverted tires that reminded me (reminded US) that He watches over me. Thank you Lord for such love and when it is my time, allow me to face it as a warrior going home.

I leave you with this passage from Chief Tecumseh of the Shawnee Nation: "So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide. Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none. When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision. When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home." May your angel surround you with his wings of love and protect you until you realize your destiny. I am your humbled servant, rejoicing in God’s mercy. The Old General