04/20/2019
Today is Holy Saturday, and on this day Jesus’ body lay in the tomb, even as He was defeating death. What better time to confront our own bondage to death. Does the fear of death and dying cause you to quiver in fright, and to dread what lies ahead? Do you say you believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, and yet still harbor a terror of what awaits us in the grave? Friends, this is not a day of mourning, or fear, but one of rising celebration as the resurrection hovers near.
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”Hebrews 2:14-15 KJV
Some of us fear the final nature of death, while others fear the dying. Those whose fear is death, dread either their separation from those who they love, whether by their death or ours, or what awaits them in the hereafter, but the promise of Christ is not one of an enigmatic death, or the end of loving, but an eternal life of love with God, and our fellow believers. Moving from this life to a life in the presence of God is but the exhale of a breath on earth and the inhale of the sweet incensed air of heaven, taken in reunion with those who await us there.
“It is sweet to die in the Lord, a covenant-blessing to sleep in Jesus. Death is no longer banishment, it is a return from exile - a going home to the many mansions where loved ones already live. The distance between glorified spirits in heaven and striving saints on earth seems large, but that is not true. We are not far from home - a moment will bring us there.” - Charles Spurgeon
For those who fear the pain of dying in either their own bodies, or the uncertainty of existence for those they leave behind take heart, because our Lord both strengthens us, continues to look after, and provide for those we felt such duty on earth to protect and make provision for.
“And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?”Mark 4:40 KJV
I have written before about a near death experience I had when drowning, and I want to reassure you now that in the throes of death we are lifted into the joy of the spiritual world beyond, leaving our bodies to instinctively gasp and struggle alone, just as a snake continues to wriggle and writhe for a time after having its head lopped off. Our pain is likewise left behind in our earthly body, and the peace and joy of God’s presence infuses, and lifts us heavenward. And, if your fear is of leaving children, or someone behind I would like to share with you what was told me at that moment of near death... “do not fear, they are mine, and have always been mine to care for.” We like to think that we are the sole caregivers for those who need our help to make it through life, when in fact we are just tools of God who has that true responsibility. He looked after us during our lives, and he does them as well... He didn’t abandon us, and He will not abandon them... they are his wards; His children. Our trust in Him should be unwavering.
“Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me. Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.”Psalms 116:5-7 KJV
So death and dying hold no mystery to those who trust in God, and have faith in Jesus Christ. It comes swiftly as if by a chariot of fire drawn by horses of Fire, and lifts us quickly into the joyous kingdom and house of God.
“And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.”2 Kings 2:11-12 KJV
Jesus faced His dying, and His death reassured by the promises and will of God, and we should do the same. Our trust should be as firm as His, and our faith likewise without falter. Our hope is not of this world, for we were put here for only a season, and that season is short. The suffering of our dying is soothed by the fanning of angel wings that whisk us away, and our death banished by the resurrection of Jesus Christ who has conquered death forever, and stands at our side in the presence of God.
“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV
Prayer:Father, thank you for my faith and trust in you, and your Son Jesus Christ. On this day long ago the body of Jesus lay in the tomb as He sojourned forth into Hell to conquer death, and free the captives there. Help me Holy Father to trust in His victory, and to know that you send help as I suffer the pangs of death. The suffering of Jesus is my image of death, and I will not shrink from it if it be your will for me, yet your mercy lifts most from our bodies even in the midst of dying’s pain, and carries us into the unbounded joy, rest, and peace of your immediate Holy Presence. Great are you in my life on earth, but greater yet in the eternal life that awaits me. Help me Holy Father in my disbelief as I come face to face with death in that moment of pause between my final earthly breath and the heavenly inhale of your Glorious breath by grace. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who gives me life on earth, and eternal life in heaven. Merciful are you in grace by your Son Jesus, who suffered and died that I might find everlasting life and peace in you. As I take my breath in your presence and angels sing of your glory... give me voice to join their song Father. Let my love for you and Jesus swell within me, and dwell there forevermore.
Rich Forbes