Life and Death
Today, I went to a funeral and also a birthday party. Actually, the funeral was a celebration of life that looked back at the life that this man had lived and how he touched so many lives. One might say it was a remembrance of him sprinkled with Scriptures. The other one, the birthday, was also a celebration of life. The difference was that at the birthday, the one being celebrated was a living being. Some would see death as the end and the birthday was still on the road. The reality is, that if the one that dies is walking with God by faith, it is actually the beginning of life... a life with the Father for all eternity. Interesting how that works. The birthday that celebrates life here has a number that signifies the years of life. In heaven, I don’t believe we will be celebrating birthday, for life will be eternal. There is no need to celebrate the years given, for the years will never end when in eternity, whether in heaven or in hell. As Christians, we live each day, longing for that day that God calls us home, either in death or when Jesus returns. When we die, if we have that living faith, it is when our eternity begins. We read Paul’s thoughts on death in Philippians 1:20-26, “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.” Whether celebration our life here or look at our celebration of life in heaven, it will be glorious. Do I miss many that have gone into the Kingdom of Glory already? Terribly at times. Do I ever wish that they could come back to me here. Absolutely not. Why? Why would I want to take somebody away from God’s presence to satisfy my longings? Instead, I long to join them some day. Father, fill us with faith for our walk here on earth and with a desire to join all the saints in Your Heavenly Kingdom. Amen