Death is not a topic that most people want to discuss. Especially when we get older, death is an uncomfortable subject, but it is an important one because we will all experience it. Death is just a part of life but what if it comes sooner than expected. That is even more uncomfortable.
My brother drowned when he was 28. He was planning on visiting me in the fall but he died in the summer. It wasn’t planned. Who knows when their time is going to end. Even those with an incurable disease don’t know how long they have. Just that their end is sooner than later.
Should we act or do anything different when we know that our loved one will be gone sooner than expected? Maybe we should spend more time with them or talk to them more often. As I mentioned in my previous post, “Cancer Changes,” my priorities, responsibilities, routines, and mindset changed when Scott was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer.
As believers, we know that death is not the end but only the beginning of a new life with God forever. So we will see each other again in a place of no more pain or suffering. For those who don’t believe, it’s difficult if they refuse to even listen to hymns or Christian music.
My friend (thanks Shaw-Fan) shared how she played hymns and sermons for her unbelieving dad during his last days. She didn’t know if he repented or not before he died. While sorting through her dad’s things, she found his diary. In it, she was shocked to find Bible verses he had copied down. She realized that her dad knew about God and Jesus but was very angry.
During her dad’s last days, there were signs that the old hymns and sermons in his native language were getting through and at one point he raised his hands up and looked like he saw something. The diary was a sign to her that she would see her dad again. She thanked God for the extra weeks her dad had so he could wrestle with God and come to terms with his faith.
Sometimes all we can do is pray for our friends or family who are nearing their life’s end. If there is a sense that we should do more than just pray, we should follow through and do it because it may just be the Holy Spirit leading. That’s just like my friend who was led to play old hymns and sermons in her dad’s native language.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for not wanting any of us to perish. Help us to be Your hands, feet, and voice to those who need to know You more before their time is up. May we be a comfort to those who will soon go to sleep.
In Your Son’s precious name, Amen.
Verses
2 Corinthians 5:6-8
Romans 6:23
Revelations 21:4
2 Peter 3:9
1 Timothy 2:4
1 Thessalonians 4:13
Song
“Scars In Heaven” by Casting Crowns made me tear up. This song touches me.
Call to action
If you have already prayed, looked up the verses in your Bible, and listened to the suggested song, then read the Parable of the Lost Sheep, Matthew 18:12-14, and write a list of lost sheep you can pray for.