The Mortal Enemy All Must Face
We do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.
1 Thessalonians 4:13
Death. It’s a reality every mortal must face. Some view it with horror; others see it as a homecoming.
Advertisement
What is it that can transform a funeral into a praise gathering? Listen as Elizabeth Rowe presents the ringing note of hope that can—and should—accompany the death of a child of God.
WALK WITH ELIZABETH ROWE
“What unutterable ecstasies I shall feel when I meet those smiles which enlighten heaven and exhilarate all the celestial regions … when I shall view his glory without one interposing cloud … when I shall drink my fill at the fountain of joy that flows from his right hand forever.
“How dazzling is your prospect, O city of God, of whom such glorious things are spoken. There holy souls keep perpetual sabbaths; there newly-arrived saints are crowned with wreaths of light, while ivory harps and silver trumpets sound; there flaming seraphs sacred hymns begin, and cherubs loud responses sing.”
WALK CLOSER TO GOD
For the Christian, the loss of a loved one in the Lord is only for a time. Death is rest, not regret, for reunion is certain.
As Paul proclaims, “ ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ … But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:55,57).
Many refrains have been written capturing the essence of that victory. Here is one to reflect on:
Brief life is here our portion,
Brief life, short-lived care.
The life that knows no ending,
The tearless life, is there.
O happy retribution!
Short toil, eternal rest;
For mortals and for sinners
A mansion with the blest!
