1 Cor 15:26 - The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
John 16:19-20 - Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant
when I said, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'?” I tell you the truth, you will
weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
Phil 1:21 - For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain
Ps 116:15 - Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
2 Cor 5:8 - We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
The Bible also uses terms to describe death: “Those who asleep,” and “to be gathered unto my people.” The Bible also speaks of death as giving up the ghost, being cut down, departing, fleeing as a shadow, but one expression used by Paul is describes death as an enemy.
God is the God of life. We are created to live not die. The Garden of Eden setting was to go on and on in a perfect relationship. Sin changed that perfect plan. We have an independent spirit that wants to do what we want and not what God wants. Death is part of the curse.
Grief is described as an emotional reaction to death. Mary and Martha wept over their brother. Jesus wept as he stood by the tomb. Grief is the expression of loss. Death causes us to hurt, to fear, and to sorrow. It is an enemy.
Death is an enemy as it disrupts earthly relationships. It is a change in our lives when loved ones are taken from us.
It is common to fear death. A robber comes with a gun to take your money or your life. Someone keeps another hostage and the fear of death makes them comply with the wishes of the other. So, there is a natural fear of death because God has given us bodies that want to live.
The Bible also speaks of death almost as a friend for those who have the security of knowing God in a personal way. Paul says, “For me to live is Christ but to die is gain.” Death took on a different significance when Stephen was martyred. He was greeted by the vision of the Lord. Although it was a violent death it was a victory.
For many who have lived a long and rich life the yearning for death is stronger because there is hope beyond the grave. They are tired of this life and its sufferings.
I have seen some wonderful death bed experiences as one passes from this life into the next with the peace that comes from God. For many it is welcomed when their labors on this earth are over.
Christ has changed the description of death for those who have placed their trust in Him.
Prayer: Lord, Thank You for eternal life and the hope of heaven for all who believe. Therefore, we do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. (1 Th. 4:13
