Ask the Pastor

By Pastor Scott Denham of Harvest Fellowship, Shambaugh, IA

Clarinda Herald Journal Publication Date : 11/08/2006

 

Live and Let Die

 

Pastor Scott,

            “At times in my life, I have wondered what will happen to me when I die. Do you have peace about death and why?”

            Unless the Lord returns in our lifetime, we are all going to die and stand before the Judge of heaven (Rom 14:10). All mankind has this one certainty in common.

            Those who have put their faith in Christ and have turned from sin to follow God will go to be with the Lord forever (1 Thes 4:17). Of them Paul the apostle says that “the sting of death” is gone. Like a bee that has lost its stinger and can no longer inflict pain, death has nothing that the Christian need fear (1 Cor 15:55).

            However, the writer of Hebrews says that the unbeliever must face that day with “fearful expectation” (Heb 10:27). Unbelievers, since they are not right with God, lack the assurance of salvation, and have an unspoken dread concerning their future. Is it any wonder that they go to extraordinary lengths to hold on to every hour of life? Insurance companies report that one-half of every health dollar is spent to prolong the last six months of life. The evidence is clear: Countless people fear death!

            Woody Allen said it best: “It's not that I'm afraid to die; I just don't want to be there when it happens!” I do not fear dying, but nobody wants to suffer or leave loved ones behind. Modern medicine helps maintain our quality of life, but it also inadvertently prolongs the suffering of those who try to prevent death. If we have put our hope in Christ, then prudence demands that, when death approaches, we put our spiritual house in order and let natural processes run their course.

            As a pastor, I have been at the bedside of a few people as they have died. On every occasion, non-Christians are fearful and their families are anxious. Conversely, Christians are at peace and their families, though grieving, have their hope fixed on eternity. Now, while no Christians may hurry to die, when death comes, they readily let go of this life because they long to see their Savior’s face.

            I heard once of a believer who was very ill. His doctor stopped by his home to check on him. The patient expressed to the surgeon, who was also a Christian, his fear of dying. The surgeon did not know how to answer. Suddenly, they heard scratching at the front door. The doctor had left his car window down, and his dog had escaped.

            With the patient's permission, he let in his pet, which leaped on him with great affection. Immediately, a thought came to the doctor. Turning to the sick man he said, "Did you see how my dog acted? He has never been in this room before. He had no idea what was inside; yet, when I opened the door, he sprang in without fear, for he knew his master was here!”

            As Christians, we do not know all the details of the afterlife, or all that death entails, but one thing we do know--our Master awaits us, and that is enough!

            --Pastor Scott (www.askpastorscott.com)