“In the long run, we are all dead.” —John Maynard Keynes
| “Are you afraid to die? Remember that for a child of God, death is only a passing through to a wonderful new world…” —Corrie Ten Boom |
The idea of death is unpopular, unsettling and perhaps a little rude. It is a great way of putting a good conversation into flight-stopping stall. No one likes it (except maybe ‘Goths‘ and the perennial AC/DC fan). It is perhaps ‘too true’ and the reality keeps us from dwelling on it. But it is going to happen, you will die.
“We live for seventy years or so (with luck we might make it to eighty), And what do we have to show for it? Trouble. Toil and trouble and a marker in the graveyard. Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well!”
Ps. 90:10, 12, MSG
Our modern society has made considerable effort to avoid the subject of death. Thinking through this strikes me as unhealthy and confusing. Through the past centuries, our present day attitude would be regarded as strange by them.
The Bible teaches us how to prepare to die well.
We have been given several decades of life on this planet, but not much more than that. The psalmist recognizes this. He prepares for his/her personal appointment for death. He prays that he will use wisely all the time he has left. Psalm 90 has been part of that preparation for millions of Christians, for many centuries.
One way to help you purify a faith that is strong enough to look death straight in the eyes, is to have a few older Christian friends. For me there is Pastor Ray. He is in his 80s now. I see myself marching behind him, and watching his back as he moves to heaven. It helps me follow in some small way. It gives me peace. Maybe that is how it is supposed to work.
The Bible is a book that is to prepare us for death, and then eternity. It is our compass as we look for ‘true north’. It has instructions and guidance, if we listen to the voice, it will bring us through the ‘door of death’. “Fear not, little flock. It is God’s pleasure to give you the kingdom”.
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“Lord, please get me ready to see you. Teach me how to live wisely, and not as a foolish person. Teach me to be a model of faith and strength to everyone who is watching me move toward death. Give me courage and faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
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Broken Believers 