The Bible tells us that death will be the last enemy to be destroyed (1Corinthians 15:26)—and death is indeed our enemy. A foreign invader in this world, death is out of place and unwelcome. This is why we mourn at a funeral—because funerals were never meant to be. In the Old Testament, King David trusted the Lord to rescue his soul from the grave, resting in the hope that in the life after death, he would find himself in the presence of God, where there is “abundant joy” (Psalm 16:11).
But the hope of the Christian life is not only life after death; it’s much more than that. Yes, Jesus promised His followers eternal life, but He also spoke of a new life that starts right here and now. It is life with God, and it is eternal because God is eternal. Praying to the Father, Jesus said, “This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent—Jesus Christ” (John 17:3).
This promised life is abundant life (John 10:10). And how could it not be? David was right when he wrote that there is joy in the presence of God. Through the Holy Spirit, we carry that presence with us wherever we go. Life is not easy, but we can be joyful no matter what happens, because God is with us. Whether we die before the Lord returns or are caught up to meet Him in the air when He does (1Thessalonians 4:17), the life we have in Christ will continue. “Where, death, is your sting?” (1Corinthians 15:55).
The comfort of the Scriptures!
The things that are seen are temporal but the things that are not seen are eternal. May we ever be focused on eternity.
Grace and peace to the family of Lamon. God’s Grace is sufficient.
Blessed Beth, THANK YOU for sharing. Even after your mom was in heaven with Jesus, He used her influence to guide you and comfort you through the Holy Spirit. That is our God.
Churchmouse, I am in prayer with you that the numbers coming to eternal life in Jesus may far outnumber the deaths. I hope is built on nothing less than Jesus.
Cassandra King and Lamon, you are in my prayers this morning as you battle this disease. Even in this time of illness, may the light of Jesus Christ be evident in you. May someone who is hopeless and lost without Christ be drawn in by His radiance out of you. May they find eternal life even this day – dying to sin, alive in Christ. As your bodies heal, may your lives shine.
And Katie, praise God for the little one growing inside of you! At this very moment my niece, Lauren, is in labor with her first in Alabama. Hers too, has been a long anticipated joy. I smile when I think about you Katie, about Lauren, about my own daughter-in-law when she became a mother for the first time (& now has 3), and even about Claire-Berkeley-Hitt, Jennie, and Haylee, young moms in the thick of it right now. Motherhood is not for wimps, it is one of the most exhausting, humbling, exhilarating, blessings ever! God is trusting each of you with His precious little people. They are a part of this abundant life He has given you for now and eternity and, you are a part of the abundant life He has planned for them…this moment, and every tomorrow. For even as Blessed Beth shared today, once our life ends in this earthly dwelling and we are resting in the shalom shadow of the Almighty…the message of Jesus will live on for generations to come. Who we are doesn’t matter as much as WHOSE we are – that is eternal!
Angie, thank you! It is beautiful to be reminded that the little ones are part of the abundant life God is giving me and that I am part of an abundant life for them. I often call them “my blessings”, but I sometimes focus too much on my failures and what I DIDN’T get done in a day. I forget that I am a blessing to them, too. It is an honor.
Katie, such joyful news! Keeping you in my prayers.
Also praying for Lamon, his family, and his care team.
Yes Ruth, I’m praying for healing for Lamon, that the presence of Jesus is more than enough to see him through. May Lamon never feel alone in his hospital room for Jesus is surely there.
Katie that is great news!
All this week everything I read and study has had reference to Psalm 16, 23 or John 10. All about sheep and how Jesus alone is our good shepherd. May I truly live out of the abundance of this knowledge and the care He has and the life He gives and longs to give to each ONE…every single person- praying for many lives to turn to Jesus.
Awesome devotional and scripture today! And so timely. I’m thankful that during this time of uncertainty that God reigns on the throne!
Please pray for Lamon. He’s been hospitalized and released and readmitted to the hospital with Covid-19. He’s got heart issues and COPD. Now he has pneumonia in both lungs, a high fever and a low oxygen level. Thank you ladies!! Have a wonderful day!!
Katie, adding my prayers for the health of your little one – so happy for you!
Such good words! May we each experience abundant life today!
“But the hope of the Christian life is not only life after death; it is much more than that…It is life with God…
There is joy in the presence of God and through the Holy Spirit, we carry that presence with us wherever we go.”