Blessed are Those who Die in the Lord
Knowing that we have a limited time on earth helps us to consider making better and wiser choices today.
Like most people, I don't like talking about death. I don't even like thinking about it. But here I am writing about it. Although physical death is the inevitable conclusion for all those who live on earth (unless Christ returns), we don't like contemplating about this reality. We'd rather just keep living our days with the obvious knowledge that our deaths will one day occur, but thinking to ourselves that it won't happen for a long time. A very long time, we hope. Although we can ignore the thought of death, we'll eventually be reminded from time to time that we're only human and that death eventually comes for all.
Over the past several months, I've been reminded more times than I want about the reality of death. There have been people I knew personally who had passed away. I also have friends who had close loved ones pass away. I hear of people becoming ill to the point that it could possibly lead to their deaths. Although I don't like thinking about death, I can't help but face this reality when it happens to people I know. Every funeral I attend is a stark reminder of this inevitable earthly conclusion.
But thinking about death can be a positive thing. Contemplating our own demise can ground us in the present. We're not dead yet. We're alive on earth. And if that's the case, each day we're given is simply another opportunity to live faithfully to God and make the most of the time. Psalm 90:12 (ESV) tells us: "So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." Contemplating our deaths has the benefit of making us wiser. Knowing that we have a limited time on earth helps us to consider making better and wiser choices today. If you knew for sure that you were going to die tomorrow, I'm willing to bet that you'll live quite differently today than what you're currently doing.
Although physical death is the inevitable conclusion for all those on earth, it's not the end of the story for those who believe in Christ. Christians believe in a life after death. And this brings much hope and peace. Revelation 14:13 (ESV) declares this: "'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' 'Blessed indeed,' says the Spirit, 'that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!'”
Although it may be hard to accept at times, death is considered a blessing to those who "die in the Lord." And that's because those who believe in Jesus will be received by Him into eternal life. Though it may be hard to accept, we can think of both our time on earth and our departure to heaven as blessings from the Lord to be cherished and celebrated. Let us make the most of our time on earth. And if we die soon, it will be a blessing to us in the end.
Barnabas the Monastic
Servant of Christ. Husband. Dad. Modern Monastic. I have a wild ambition in life: get as close to the Lord Jesus Christ as I can while on earth. I explore and integrate ancient Christian monk wisdom in modern everyday life. Lives in Canada.
