SATURDAY June 10, 2023
The Reality of Death
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21
Death can come suddenly at any time, we cannot do anything about it. It could be a sudden accident, a natural death, just growing older and dying of old age, or a long battle with a terminal illness, such as cancer. Even though there is modern medicine to extend our lives, at the same time, God has a divine time for each one of us to die: And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment... (Hebrews 9:27).
There will come a day when death will come knocking at your door, but you do not need to be afraid to die. As a Christian, welcome death when it comes, knowing you will be with Jesus. Let me remind you of what the Apostle Paul knew with confidence: For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21). All of us have to be ready to die and be present with the Lord. Think about what you shall be leaving behind––all your pain, sorrow, turmoil, and every major problem you have to face, each and every day of your life in this God-forsaken world!
Every morning when I get up, I know the reality of death; it can come unexpectedly. I think to myself, This may be the day! Some people may exclaim, “You mean to tell me, you are looking forward to dying?” You bet! When I drive my car or travel by plane, I am very aware that I may not make it through the day. I am unafraid, because I know where I am going. If the plane goes down, I will be preaching the Gospel to those who are terrified while the plane is going down, that they may go up to heaven if they repent!
I feel so sorry for little children, as they are growing up in an increasingly wicked world. Children are the targets of liberal ideologies, teaching them that boys can be girls and girls can be boys. Imagine what it is going to be like in twenty years if the Lord tarries. With them in mind, I pray, “Come quickly Lord Jesus and take us home!” Again, we do not have to be afraid of death. It is our homecoming.
I have a certainty about eternity that is a wonderful thing, and I thank God for giving me that certainty. I do not fear death. I may fear a little bit about the process, but not death itself, because I think the moment that my spirit leaves this body, I will be in the presence of the Lord.
~Billy Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
