Mike’s Musings …
A Blessed Release
This past Wednesday, about 12:45 in the afternoon, a dear friend of mine surrendered her valiant fight for life on earth. She had surrendered her spiritual life to Christ Jesus on August 29, 1995. Through these past twenty-five years, there have been times when it was a physical struggle for her to attend services. But when she could, she and her husband would go and worship God. She delighted in singing, “Our God, He is Alive” and other hymns of praise. This was one of the songs requested for her funeral.
Just more than six months ago, she suffered a severe stroke accompanied with dozens of seizures. Doctors endeavored with an undaunting desire to remedy the situation, but they never could fully locate the cause. Her husband and children endeavored to care for her with the assistance of Hospice Care, only to realize she would never improve; but neither would she willingly surrender to this illness! In fact, she told her family, “I don’t want to go.” They accepted this as her saying, “You still need me,” and they did!
No one has ever come back from the dead and related to the living what it is like to die: not even Jesus Christ! Granted, some claim they have “died” and perhaps a few who have been declared “clinically dead” who somehow have been spared their literal departure from this life. Still, none have ever described with authority what it is like to experience the “afterlife.” Therefore, I choose to examine the scriptures and take comfort in what they teach us regarding the anticipation of death.
First, notice Paul: “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.” (Phil. 1:23 – 24) Now the angel’s words to John at Revelation 14:13: “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”
Add to this 1 Thessalonians 4:13 – 18 and with Revelation 2:10 and 2 Peter 1: 1- 11 and you see clearly where death for the faithful is a blessing, not a curse! We that are faithful have no fears, but rather anticipation! Are you looking forward to the release from this world to eternity with God, or are you still unprepared? If unprepared, there’s only one way to prepare: OBEY HIM NOW! Muse on that reality, and if we can help you, we will do so!