Is the topic of death a little uncomfortable for you? Are you confused about what happens when a believer in Jesus Christ dies? I want you to be encouraged by today’s devotional.
Sure, its’ normal to fear death, but as Christians, we can be excited and have great joy about death. Why? Because when a Christian dies, they are immediately present with Jesus Christ. We don’t lose consciousness or enter into soul sleep. If you have a loved one who has died in Christ, they are right now, conscious and aware in the presence of GOD almighty.
Now, there are some passages in the Bible that mention dead people sleeping. The apostle Paul mentions this a few times. The term sleeping is used as a picture of what the body does in death.
If you’ve ever been to an open casket funeral you probably said the same thing. “Man, it looks like they were just sleeping.” But now let’s take a closer look at what the Bible says about death and the afterlife.
Jesus told the thief on the cross; “Today you’ll be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43
Moses and Elijah, who died hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus we’re seen with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration—they weren’t sleeping. Matthew 17:2-3
Do you remember how Elijah went to Heaven? He went up riding a fiery chariot in a whirlwind. That was one heck of a ride… no sleeping on that journey. 2 Kings 2:11
In Genesis…The bible tells us that GOD took Enoch and Enoch was never seen again. GOD took Enoch from Earth and brought him home to Heaven; He didn’t put Him to sleep. Genesis 5:24
Also, the apostle Paul told us that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:6-, Philippians 1:21-24, Luke 16:22, Hebrews 1:14
Jesus also taught us what happens when people die. Luke 16:19-31;
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’
“He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’
“ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”
There is much to learn here from Jesus’ teaching.
1. Angels escort believers to Heaven.
2. There is judgement and the arrival to your destination is immediate.
3. Saved and unsaved people are both conscious and aware of their surroundings.
4. There is pleasure and torment. Hades is hot.
5. The environment is physical and people have physical bodies. There was water.
6. The saved and unsaved could see and hear each other. (This was before the time of the cross of Jesus Christ)
7. There is memory of the previous life.
8. We keep our identities.
9. Other people can recognize us.
10. There is no chance for salvation after death.
11. There is recognition of the truth.
12. There is right and wrong.
13. There is regret.
The Lord Jesus is very conscious of our fears and concerns surrounding death. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us—even in death. GOD is a lovesick heavenly Father who cannot wait to bring His children into His presence. Be encouraged by these words in Psalm 116:15
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.
We might have some fears about death, but our hope and faith can be underneath the fear. Jesus is right there and no one has the power to snatch us out of His hands.
A follower of Jesus Christ does not have to focus on death itself—death is just a mere transition—a doorway. A follower of Jesus Christ focuses on what comes after death. A glorious arrival into the presence of the one who went before us and defeated death.
The famous evangelist, D. L. MOODY, last words were; “If this is death, there is no valley. This is glorious. I have been within the gates and I saw the children, Dwight and Irene” (his two grandchildren who had died). “Earth is receding. Heaven is approaching. God is calling me.”
Death for followers of Jesus Christ–is victory. Hallelujah! There is victory is Jesus!
Reflections
Are you prepared for death?
Are you prepared for life? A wise person once said; “You’re not ready to live until your certain of where you’re going after you die.”
Whom will you serve?