Last Monday morning on September 27th, our son-in-law, Matthew Jason Cole, was suddenly and unexpectedly called home to his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He died of yet undetermined natural causes in his sleep, probably from a massive heart attack, at the young age of 26.
Matt was born with a rare genetic disorder called Ectodermal Dysplasia, which impairs the normal growth of hair, nails, teeth, and eccrine glands. He suffered from all of these symptoms which affected his physical appearance and , without properly functioning eccrine (sweat) glands, his body could quickly overheat to dangerous levels. Although in the years I knew Matt I never heard him complain about his physical issues, I'm sure that he often suffered much physical, as well as, emotional pain from this disease.
Based upon Matt's profession of faith in the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Bible promises that the instant Matt's spirit left his physical body, he entered his new eternal home with the Lord; "Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord--- for we walk by faith, not by sight--- we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be home with Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:6-8).
Most people don't look forward to death, especially when they are young. But I'm sure that those who suffer with painful and chronic physical problems are less attached to this life that those in relatively good health. Much like the rich young ruler Jesus confronted who was not willing to follow Jesus if it meant giving away all the good things he possessed in this life; "How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God!" (Luke 18:24).
The older I get, the more I look forward to that perfect, eternal heavenly body and that home that Jesus is preparing for me. And not only for me, but for all those who know Him as their Lord and Savior; "Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." (John 12:1-3).
Enjoy your new home, Matt! We miss you and are grieving our loss, but not like those with no hope. We look forward to celebrating a marvelous reunion with you someday and with all of our brothers and sisters who have proceeded us into the joy of their eternal heavenly homes in the presence of our wonderful Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory! Maranatha!
