Perspectives

Psalm 145:18-19 … 18) The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. 19) He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; he hears their cry and saves them. (NIV1984)

When a family member suddenly becomes sick and within a few short weeks passes away, a variety of emotions and feelings surface. The years the family member lived are counted. We are reminded to be thankful that he/she lived a good many years and those they lived to see their family thrive. We can be thankful that he/she had the opportunity to share life with their family, relatives and friends. We can be thankful that he/she shared many of their life experiences as he/she saw them, both the good and bad. We can be thankful that they had the opportunity to live and to be reconciled with family and friends, and for those of use whose lives they touched, we have been enriched by knowing them.

Moments like this reminds us that life is limited for all people. However long we live, death inevitably comes to all us. Despite all the powers of humankind and the steady advance of medical technology, we have never succeeded defeating death. We all will die in due course.

But death is just a transition. Although the body ceases to function as we know it, the spirit lives on. Death, according to the Bible is merely a change of status. That which perishes is exchanged for that which is imperishable. Death ushers us into the presence of the Living God and transports us into eternity.

We all agree that we must face death sometime. “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” Hebrews 9:27 (NIV1984) In light of this, we should all take great care to live in such a way that when it comes our time to die, we are ready to face God. I believe with all that there is within me that my sister, who on the 23rd of March 2012 passed away, was ready for that moment in time. God called her home to heaven and she responded to His invitation.

Perhaps we would do well to undertake or try to understand our struggle with the thought of death. I say that because, I believe, death is not death if we know the Lord. Death is merely a change of place, a change of state, a transferral from one realm of existence into another. Death is not death, by that I mean if it kills no part of us, except that which hinders us from perfect life. Surely death is not death if it raises us in a moment from darkness into light, from weakness into strength, from sinfulness into holiness. Death is not death if it perfects our faith by sight and lets us set our eyes on Him in whom we have believed. Death is not death if it rids us of doubt and fear, of sickness and disease, of sorrow and sadness. No, death is not death if it unites us with those whom we have loved and lost for whom we longed to live with again. Finely, death is not death for Christ has conquered death for Himself and for those who trust in Him.

The reality of death is that all must die. And death puts us face to face with God. This we cannot change, but we can do something about eternity. If we do not, let me say that again, if we do not commit our life to Christ then to die is an eternal loss, no doubt about it. The realities of heaven and hell confront us as we consider death. But the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that we can be forgiven for our sins and enjoy God’s presence forever. We do not have to fear death, for death is not death if it transports us to eternal life in heaven with Christ.

I believe with all my heart that my sister is with her Lord in heaven. And if that be the situation then we do not want to mourn as those who have no hope. Yes, we are saddened by her absence, but we are gladdened by the hope that is within us to know that she is in a place where all tears are wiped from every eye, where there is no sickness or pain, but only joy forevermore. To God be the glory, great things He has done.

Would you pray this prayer with me? “Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that peace, joy and happiness that fulfills my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name. Amen.”