Why would any true follower of Jesus Christ fear death? This makes little sense to me in light of the promises of heaven given to us by him. Paul tells us ;
"For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee." So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. "We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord". 2 Corinthians 5:4-9
I am not afraid of death, although I do have to admit I am not thrilled with the idea of the pain depending on what kind of death one experiences. But the idea of leaving this world and all it's suffering, evil and heartbreak is a longing within my soul. There are times, like when I see the horrible things going on in the world, the evil that is reigning in the lives of most today, I pray for either the Lord's return to come NOW or for him to just bring me home. I do however know that in a way that is selfishness, only in the perspective that maybe, just maybe my remaining here might serve in someone one being lead to Jesus and saved from hell.
Some might say, but Cindy don't you want to stick around and see your gorgeous Grandson grow up? Or see your daughter and son in law continue to grow as they face being parents? Don't you want to see the salvation of your two youngest children? (not saved yet). Don't you want to be around when your beautiful stepdaughter graduates and becomes a doctor some day? (This is what she says she wants to be). Or don't you want to see your boys maybe get married and have families someday?
Of course I want to experience these things, but I guess I am a bit unorthodox in the way I look at life. The way I see it, being in heaven with the Lord does not mean you miss out on special things like this, I think you have a front row seat and get to see the wonderful outcomes without having to see the struggles to get there for your family.
Time in heaven is not like time we are use to experiencing. From my understanding we will be allowed to see everything from beginning to end once we are with the Lord. He will answer all questions, show us all the good that will come out of the things that seemed so awful while we are here. Jesus last three words on the cross are always on my mind. "It IS FINISHED".
The sacrifice he made for our sins, the reign of sin in our lives demolished (if we chose to live through him)...it was all accomplished by his willingness to take the sin of the world upon his shoulders. Receiving upon himself our judgement and consequences. He paid the price WE owe/owed.
After saying all this, I do have to say sometimes living here can really suck. Watching people continue to make the same stupid choices and never seeing the truth of what God is trying to show them. I think that is the most frustrating part...that and watching people bring about suffering and trouble because of their own rebelliousness.
Watching people who continually misuse the Grace of God to not change their choices or behavior. Knowing the answer but also knowing they will not listen or "hear" the truth. Being able to just leave here and see the final outcome without having to be witness to what may be the hard things they have to go through before they "get it" would be so awesome!
But in the end, there is an appointed time for each of us to remain here, God does not take us any sooner or later than is already in his plan for our lives. So for now I will praise the Lord for his mercy and grace. For helping me to keep my eyes on Jesus..who is the author and finisher of our faith.
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1-3
