[04/10/2023 “teEn-MAIL”]
[This focus was originally sent 04/12/2009 (Edited some.)]
When we think of experiences or events related to life, what do we consider to be precious? Do we think of births, graduations, anniversaries, etc.? Such life milestones that draw family and friends in sharing together are often seen as most precious. However, have we ever considered death as one of life’s precious milestones?
In the psalms we read. . .
“(15) Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116:15 ESV)
Precious? Yes, precious! The death of those who belong to God is precious because they belong to the Lord forever! Their trials in the temporariness of this realm are over and the time has come to go home. That is why Paul could face death with a view toward victory!
As Paul gave his farewell address to the Ephesian elders he stated. . .
“(22) And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, (23) except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. (24) But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:22-24 ESV)
What a marvelous attitude. Because of Jesus, we too can share that outlook. As Jesus faced the cross, He tried to help the disciples understand it was not the end. His death was actually a great milestone in relation to God’s plan and our eternal salvation. Jesus came to give us abundant life now (John 10:10) and eternal life to come as His resurrection assures us of ours. (1 Corinthians 15:20-23) Because of the power of His resurrection, death is not the end for us either. Death is actually a marvelously significant milestone associated with our eternal relationship with God.
For us as Christians, though there is grieving in the loss of those who pass before us (1 Thessalonians 4:13), we still have hope and thus death can be viewed as precious. Therefore, let us hold our relationship to God as a precious thing so that when the end of our life on earth comes, we may walk into that precious eternal relationship with our Lord. Our holding to what is truly precious now will lead us toward that precious eternity.
Have a great day LOOKING TOWARD THE MILESTONE INTO ETERNITY!
Carl
