Your favorite pet... and heaven.

11Feb'22
No.16
///// An IronMen Moment /////

(Designed to be passed along to men and young men in your life.)

Your favorite pet... and heaven.

Decades ago there was an animated production called, All Dogs Go to Heaven. A Disney production, if I recall. It was a cute story of redemption for a dog that thought he was doomed to, well, that other place. And it involved the love of a nearby human, as well. I won't spoil the ending -- you might enjoy watching it.

The photo above is a favorite dog in our family, Bentley the beagle. Named after a favorite car. And for the regal sound of his name. Bentley LOVED to ride in a box just his size on the back of my Scooter. So, we equipped him with his own "Snoopy, Ace Fighter" outfit (pictured). As soon as I put it on, his energy exploded from level 1 to 10+...with tail-wagging, whimpering, barking excitement, he could hardly wait to be lifted into his special seat, clamped into his chest-brace seat belt, and hear the engine putter to life. It really was a big deal for him.

Bently was a rescue dog, the poor thing. And over the years we began to figure out *what* his past may have entailed. It's likely that in the couple years before arriving at our home he came from one of those make-up and mascara testing labs. They tend to choose animals that have nice big eyes (for their poor aim with an eye-dropper full of something they HAD to of known would hurt)...and animals with friendly dispositions (like rabbits and beagles). Over time his behavior became increasingly erratic, and so ultra-focused that he would streak across a busy street of traffic just to chase a squirrel. Very dangerous. And nerve-wracking for us to witness.

Anyhow, in the years since Bentley, I've often wondered that innocent question: will dogs go to heaven?

It's natural for us to ask such things about those who have passed on. Especially if they were loved and are currently missed. One Saturday, when I was 13, I came home from a fishing trip and was told that my father was in a car accident that afternoon; a week or so later, he died of those injuries.

Here are three excellent truths about dogs, heaven, and our future.

1. Whether or not pets of the past will be in heaven, we can be near-certain that we will have pets there. Because God created them! And with a new Earth and new Heaven, there will be plenty of cute, cuddly critters there.

2. Scripture is clear that to be absent from the body is to be present with Christ Jesus (II Cor. 5:8). So, anyone in the faith who passes away is ushered into Heaven, where the Lord is now. This includes us! If we happen to be here when the Rapture occurs, it means the reunion will happen in our lifetime! These are reasons to be very happy.

3. Consider those who aren't on their way to Heaven. Think of those around you who may not have decided on God's pardon. Pray for them. When you see them along your path during the day, send up a prayer to God for them, that His Spirit might chase them down and bring them to the faith. There isn't much time left for this privileged service we can do for those around us.

Food for thought. Reason to rejoice.

Brought to you by IronMen.

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