DEATH

We read with interest the obituaries of those who've passed from this life into the next ... yet for the most part, we avoid thinking about our own mortality. 

But the sudden passing of someone we know can rattle the security we feel in our 'open-ended' routine of life. A 'here today, gone tomorrow' wake-up call crashes against the shore of your mind. 

For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. James 4:14

The frailty associated with old age causes those who are 'long in the tooth' to reflect on the brevity of life and the certainty of death. Some become bitter, thinking of themselves as victims. Some appear to accept it with calm resignation. But elderly believers anxiously look forward to a promised future ... and it is beautifully evident in their countenance. They think of death as 'going home'. 

While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. 2 Corinthians 5:4

David sought the Lord concerning the reality of death ...

Show me my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. Psalm 39:4-5

He did not mean, 'Lord, let me know exactly how long I shall live, and the date of my death' (God nowhere promises his people such knowledge). Instead, David's plea was, 'Give me wisdom and grace to consider my end and how to best spend my days'. 

Through the obvious 'fulfilling' of prophecy, we know that the rapture of God's people is near. But if the Lord tarries, death is unavoidable. Sadly, few believers reflect on mortality in such a way as to make them use their remaining days wisely. 

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21

See death as the doorway through which you step into the land where your citizenship truly lies and live with that anticipation. 

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  1 Corinthians 15:54-55

There will be no more tears ...