Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. John 11:25
Meditation:
Do We Fear Death?
Do we fear death? Do you fear death? You may hear of people who, due to incurable illness, age, pain or loss of faculties, say they are “Ready to go.” They wish to leave this vale of tears. They may say they “long to be with Jesus”, or perhaps be with the loved one that passed ahead of them.
I know of a person who is not in great health, has lost the spouse, and, I’m told, is lonely, ‘ready to go’, to be with Jesus. Apparently this person has all arrangements made, the will finalized, and funeral planned. And, yet, this person is still alive, still has energy, and, from an outsider standpoint, still has a purpose for living.
I cannot walk in another’s shoes, or feel their pain, or know their thoughts. From our standpoint, it is hard to fully understand what is going on in their lives, or how their mind is working, that would bring them to the edge of giving up. The only gauge is our own, and the comparison, too often, is foggy, at best.
Within our circle of friends, in this devotional network, we are believers in Christ. There is only one litmus test, the Resurrection. Without that, the Holy Bible has meaning only as literature. But, as Christians, we are human and there are differences in where we place value and importance in our Walk, under the blessings of the Resurrection. We have no reason to fear death, our ‘destination’ is guaranteed.
So, what is your position on being “ready to go” or “long to be with Jesus”?
What do you say to a friend who, because of circumstances, both physical and mental, reaches that point in life? That is hard. Pray and listen to what God is telling you. Maybe it isn’t something you ‘say’ to that friend so much as ‘be’; be present, be company, be a listener.
CS Lewis, in The Problem of Pain, tells us that “There have been times when I think I do not desire heaven; but, more often I find myself wondering whether, in our heart of hearts, if we have ever desired anything else.”
Longing to be with Jesus is a sacred thing, and is not a desperate state of mind.
This Christian faith of ours, lays before us God’s promise in vivid and varied colors, yet founded upon the Resurrection. We say, and we mostly believe, that we do not fear death. We just don’t want to go now. We may not fear death, but we probably fear the process of dying. I have witnessed that transition, personally, painfully, sadly, and I do fear that process. In my case, her prayers and mine were answered.
In our heart of hearts do we desire heaven? I am with Lewis on this. More and more I find comfort, calmness and peace in the knowledge that I am an alien in a foreign land, but I have a blessed destination, guaranteed by the Blood of the Lamb.
Years ago, I was a member of the Christian Life Committee at a college, now a university. At our first meeting, we shared glimpses of our faith journey. I spoke of the Resurrection and its meaning for me, including peace in the after life. When it was his turn, the Jewish member of the committee, pointed to me and said, “I wish I had that belief…” To which I simply said, “It’s free!” Later, we talked.
My heart, my prayers, my thoughts do go out to those who do not have the Resurrection and the promise in their lives, and my faith tells me to keep planting seeds. Amen.
— Stan
Closing Prayer:
Lord, Almighty God, you are our Father and we are your children, who want to live for you through Jesus Christ our Lord. Strengthen and renew our hearts. When discouragement and fear try to mislead us, may your Holy Spirit help us again and again to hold fast, for no matter what difficulties arise, your will is being done and your will is good. Your name will be honored. Your kingdom will come for all nations. Your reign will come over all peoples, for they are all yours and must acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Lord.
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us – so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations (Psalm 67:1–2). Amen.
