And Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran. 1 Samuel 25:1
Death & Dying… it happens to everyone at some point. Everyone dies at some point; everyone experiences someone else’s death at some point. I know this may seem like an unpleasant topic. But it is a universal topic – meaning that it affects literally everyone on earth.
Dealing with death is another issue. While death may universally apply to all, our ways of dealing with it is not as universal or unanimous.
We deal with material things more orderly and systematically than we do the emotional things surrounding death. We have wills, probate, funerals and burials, and all of the material issues of the estate are handled according to law. There may be some variation in the process, but generally, it is the same everywhere.
Dealing with the emotional impact of death is another thing, however, and can vary from individual to individual. It can be very difficult for some to handle. Perhaps you are struggling with this very issue today.
Death changes everyone around it.
The passing of an anonymous person in the community, suddenly and violently taken, whether through accident or anger, may strike fear in our hearts because of the sudden and startling awareness that death may come at any moment – our own!
The passing of the Pope or some important leader in our lives (and in the case of
Closer to home, the passing of a friend or family member may strike us so hard that we wonder how we will carry on without them. They were such an emotional support, a spiritual partner, and confidant. We are feeling totally lonely and vulnerable without them.
Be prepared…
No matter the experience, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the answer. No other faith system is adequate – and that is to be expected; they are all false and offer a poor substitute to the truth and the joy of knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
If you’ve read this far, stick with me, for I have great news for you. You need a growing and living relationship with Jesus, and through that relationship, you will not experience death the same way again.
A relationship with Christ will never end. That’s one relationship death cannot sever.
A relationship with Christ will insure a reunion with others who have a similar relationship with Him. Death only suspends, not severs, these relationships.
A relationship with Christ provides comfort and support, through which we are neither truly lonely or vulnerable – and death cannot change that.
A relationship with Christ means security on earth regardless of the political leadership, so changes on any level there, while they may affect our lives, do not affect our faith and our future.
A relationship with Christ means we are personally prepared for our own death – and it is a time of promotion, not penalty. We will be ushered into the presence of the One we Love never to leave!
Are you growing in your relationship with Christ?
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for reading my post. Add your comments. They will be reviewed by me before being posted, so if you don't want them seen by everyone, just say so in your comment. Please be respectful; I don't post comments with profanity of any kind. Look forward to hearing from you.
Pastor Greg