God is Trustworthy with Your Death
And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with Him the believers who have died.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NLT)
Death is a subject few people want to discuss. However, it’s the one common reality for all of us. For some, there will be one less stocking hung on the mantel and one less chair filled around the table. Christmas is when the losses seem to be multiplied because of family gatherings and the nostalgia of the season. Paul said when it comes to death, those who are in Christ Jesus can grieve and hope. We grieve because of the loss of those we love, but we find hope because they’re filled with immeasurable joy at the feet of Jesus, and we’ll one day be reunited.
I love how Jon Ortberg says it: Death is still our enemy. But it is defanged. The viper’s poison has been drained away. The deadly sting is gone. The sting of death was sin. And the damning power of sin was in the demand of the law. But thanks be to Christ who satisfied the law’s demand. “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55).
We don’t have to be afraid of death because we know those who are in Jesus are experiencing the resurrection of Jesus in their resurrection. There’s never a moment that a follower of Jesus is separated from Jesus. When you close your eyes in this life, you automatically awaken into the glory and splendor of your forever home.
It’s interesting that most of us fear the unknown. My wife and I have moved three times, and each time, I was sad because we didn’t know exactly where our next home would be or what it would be like. Each time our new home was better for various reasons, but because I couldn’t see it, moving felt dreadful because all I could see was the loss. Heaven is a little like this. We love our family, friends, community and church, and the thought of leaving can be overwhelming. However, you'll never long for your old life once you arrive in your future home, Heaven. You’ll be thankful for it. You’ll be in the fullness of joy and life. Heaven is a place where there are no more tears or suffering. You can trust God with everything, even your death. Also, remember that your life is untouchable until God calls you home. So, live each day completely trusting God and let His peace and goodness wash over you!
Application: Your life is untouchable until God calls you home. You aren’t in control. He is.
Prayer: Ask God to help you number your days correctly. For many Christians, the big question isn’t if we die, will we go to Heaven, but if we live, will Heaven come to Earth? Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you about how you’re living. Knowing this is your temporary home, ask the Spirit to take any fears, replace them with boldness, and trust in Him!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?