Lesson 319: I'VE GOT YOU COVERED
Chaplain David Chaltas -- The Old General
This past week an old gentleman came to our center with his grandson. I immediately recognized him and shook his hand vigorously. I had taught his son and now I would be teaching his grandson. The old sage was showing his age and his complexion was a mixed hue of grayish blue. I asked him if he had been sick and he said that he had. In fact he was recovering from a serious operation a couple of weeks ago. He asked me if I had a moment and I said sure. We sat down and he shared the following story with me.
The old gentlemen declared that as the doctors were operating on him, he felt himself beginning to fade. He realized that this was the last time he would be on earth, when suddenly a blanket of crimson engulfed his body. He stated that the most beautiful colors of purple and blue merged together and in the middle an indescribable image appeared in the brightest of white lights. Then he heard a voice which would silence the singing of birds in the spring. The voice said four simple words: “I’ve got you covered”.
He felt a jolt and realized that he was reentering his body. A peace that he could not explain came over him and as he awakened, a smile of contentment covered his face. He realized that he had been washed in the blood of the Lamb and no matter what happened on this earth, he was prepared to go home when he was again called.
I recall his countenance and demeanor. He was so calm and at peace that my soul was touched. I was talking to a man who truly knew his final destination and had seen the image of his Creator. Here was a man whose sins was washed whiter than snow and would soon walk through the Pearly Gates with a smile; as Saint Peter greets him. This man knew the secret of eternal life and was sharing it with me. The Good Book says, “For whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”. This fine old gentleman’s soul is now white as snow. My GOD, you are such a wondrous Savior! The Bible states, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Friends, I think of this story often and now that he has gone, I realize that his message was not only for me but for you. As a writer, I have put down to words the testimony of a humble man who understood God’s plan of Salvation. You too can feel His presence in your heart, your life and become new, whole and washed in the blood.