The topic of death seemed to be quite prominent today. I turned on the morning news just in time to hear a story about planning for your funeral in advance; and my co-worker tried to jokingly present the fact of a couple of recent deaths within his complex. Death certainly isn’t a favourable topic for most to talk about, yet we all know we will have to face it sooner or later. To many, it is a scary and morbid topic which they would rather sweep under the rug until it actually does happen yet, have you ever wondered why it’s so scary?
From a relational perspective, is it because we lose someone we love which brings us pain? If it is someone we put so much hope and love into, does it feel like our current lives fall apart? From a personal perspective, is it because we lose the opportunity of time which we can no longer live in this life to achieve the temporal goals, dreams and ambitions we originally planned? Maybe the fact that the things you have done and accumulated in this life are now useless to you once you die since you can neither bring it with you or enjoy it? Or is it the fact that you think that once you die, your entire existence disappears?
“…for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:” (Matthew 7:13)
What people fail to realize is that the reason why death is so scary is because they are attached to the temporary things of this life and have no vision of their existence after death. They don’t see the things beyond their current reality because the temporary things they rely on, give them a false sense of life. As such, they are caught off-guard about what actually is ahead of this temporary journey on earth, which is the eternal existence that has two paths. The broad path leading to eternal destruction and the narrow path which leads to eternal life.
“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:14)
Yet even within our rebellion and refusal to look at the things beyond this temporary life, God has already warned us about the consequences and has made the ultimate sacrifice to give us hope after this life is done with.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
When we come to receive the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ, we no longer need to fear death in this short life or the eternal torment to come for those who need to pay for the sins they have accumulated in this life. Receiving Christ as your Lord and saviour is Christ literally paying for your retirement in paradise rather that you toiling for the rest of your eternal existence in the depths of destruction.
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
This is why Paul understood how futile it was to fear death especially when he had the assurance of eternal life in Christ. While he lived, he wanted to display Christ in all aspects so that others could experience the same love and assurance he had, and if he were to die he knew that he would spend eternity surrounded by God’s love in heaven. In both aspects, he was preparing for his final destination which had more value than any temporary, humanly-driven goal or reward he could ever try to achieve.
“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:3-4)
The reason why I can easily talk about this topic without fear is because I have the assurance that even after death, I can enjoy the blessings and love of the Lord for the rest of my life in heaven. Have you chosen the right path for your final retirement after this life? May you come to that realization and also find the wonderful, matchless grace and hope through God’s wonderful love for you so that you can have the peace of mind in understanding that living life really only begins after we leave our old ones behind. Logically speaking, is it not better to prepare for the eternal life to come rather than death?
