As surely as we live and breath we are sure to die. Yet one thing remains God's word.
There are people who seek to keep it at bay, who refuse to fathom it until it strikes. As a result of Adam, we will each face it, unless Christ returns before the end of the days God has allotted to us.
What I have been thinking about is how does a believer face the end of a loved one and the end of ourselves.
A few passages come to mind upon pondering it for a moment. In looking at the word, these truths are clear.
1) We are finite, but God is infinite.
Psalm 103:13-14 NASB
Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.
Psalm 103:15-16 NASB
As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, And its place acknowledges it no longer.
Isaiah 40:6b-8 NASB
All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, When the breath of the LORD blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.
2) Death should not have victory over us even if it does take our lives or the lives of those closest to us. (If we are in Christ Jesus)
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 NASB
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 NASB
But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written,
"Death IS SWALLOWED UP in victory.
O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?
O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?"
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
3) Suffering does something good in the hearts of Christians
1 Peter 1:6-7 NASB
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
James 1:2-4 NASB
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Death is hard to face, whether it be the death of those close to us or when facing our own death. When we lose loves ones we are no longer able to see them this side of eternity. We will miss them, we will still love them, but we cannot allow death to have victory, to keep us stagnant. If we ourselves are facing death I would hope that instead of behaving like King Hezekiah....
2 Kings 20:1-3 NASB
In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, "Thus says the LORD, 'Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.'" Then he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, saying, "Remember now, O LORD, I beseech You, how I have walked before You in truth and with a whole heart and have done what is good in Your sight." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
We will instead be like Paul who said these words by the Spirit of God.
2 Timothy 4:6-8 NASB
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Philippians 1:21-23 NASB
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;
Grief without hope is so sad, when that person does not known God, neither has evidence of salvation. Faith is known by one's works, yet salvation is not a result of works... For me I know that whether I live or die may it all be for the Glory and Honor of a God who has washed away my sin and will someday present me before God the Father, blameless, though I am undeserving of this great gift. Do not think because of my view that I don't understand, I know personally the pain of loss with losing a loved one. Instead of turning to God through that time, I sinned. That is why after losing others I have learned to cling more closely to God who comforts us in all our afflictions. My plea to those who are truly believers, cast your worries upon God because He cares for you. There will be grieving but God will be there like He says in Second Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NASB
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.
I could not imagine going through such a time without God.
Psalm 116:12-18 NASB
What shall I render to the LORD
For all His benefits toward me?
I shall lift up the cup of salvation
And call upon the name of the LORD.
I shall pay my vows to the LORD,
Oh may it be in the presence of all His people.
Precious in the sight of the LORD
Is the death of His godly ones.
O LORD, surely I am Your servant,
I am Your servant, the son of Your handmaid,
You have loosed my bonds.
To You I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
And call upon the name of the LORD.
I shall pay my vows to the LORD,
Oh may it be in the presence of all His people.
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