This Old House
March 18, 2023 by Gil Killam
Filed under Faith
By Gillis Killam –
While traveling with a friend, on a rural road we saw an abandoned house where someone had once lived. It was now weather beaten with broken windows and unmown grass. Looking at the house my friend said, “Gil, if those old walls could talk they would tell quite a story!”
I have reflected on that statement many times since, and thought how fleeting is life, and then recall the Psalmist’s words, “Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—they are like the new grass of the morning: 6 In the morning it springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered” (Psalm 90:5-6 NIV).
And also “Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:10 NIV).
Stuart Hamblen composed this song, looking forward to leaving this house:
“This old house once knew my children This old house once knew my wife This old house was home and shelter as we fought the storms of life This old house once rang with laughter This old house heard many shouts Now she trembles in the darkness when the lightnin’ walks about.”
He concludes with the chorus:
“Ain’t gonna need this house no longer I’m getting ready to meet the saints.” (Stuart Hamblen)
We don’t know what went on in the house mentioned above. It could have housed a family where joy and laughter reigned, or there could have been many heartaches and disappointments. God knows, and this Psalm makes it clear that this life is temporary, and we should be ready to meet the Lord.
Jesus came to bring life not death. He didn’t deny the sorrow that it brings now, but He said what no other person could say, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25 NIV). It is a pain that remains now, but He says that we may die physically, but if we believe in Jesus we will live forever in the resurrection of the righteous.
Prayer: Help me O Lord, to focus on that glorious day when the last enemy of mankind is vanquished, because you have conquered death, hell, and the grave. AMEN
Gil Killam was born in New Brunswick, Canada and served as pastor in 4 pastorates in Saskatchewan & Alberta, Canada. Gil is married to his wife Lorna and they have 5 children, 14 Grandchildren and 5 great grand children. He is a graduate of Eston College with a Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree. He also served President of his denomination. Gil enjoys golfing and reading in his spare time.