Not a pleasant subject! None of us like facing it, and for the most part we give it no thought whilst health is maintained. However, “It is appointed unto men once to die.” (Heb.9:27)
I have had to face the reality of death recently as I watched my wife slowly fade away as she struggled with cancer of the liver. She died back in January this year. We have a robust and lively family, but we have all been deeply upset by the death of the family matriarch.
But I do not want to dwell on the sadness, the loss, the bereavement, or the heartache. Rather, as a long-time believer in the Lord Jesus, I’d like to present a few helpful Scriptures.
Psalm 116:15. “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.”
Isaiah 25:8. “He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces.”
Romans 8:38. “I am persuaded that neither death nor life . . . . shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
1 Cor.15:54. “When this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’”
Rev.21:4. “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Paul says, “I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.”
“Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thess.4:13-14, 18)
Certainly I will bring comfort to my family, and I rejoice to be able to share these precious truths with you all. Thank you Father for raising your Son from death, to give us a living hope.