Monday, April 22, 2013

It Is Not Death to Die

Today I preached the funeral for a man I first met about six years ago.  He lived a mile from our church and only visited 2 or 3 times.  We had developed a friendship.

A few weeks back I sat with a church member in a hospital room as their spouse passed from this life.  It had been a long and difficult road. 

A week ago tragedy struck our nation and many were injured and several lost their lives.

Week by week our prayer list is full of those who are grieving and suffering.  Death is all around us.

As the Apostle Paul sat in Roman custody he wrote, "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain."  The longer I walk this earthly road the more I feel and see the effects of sin and the fall.  That is why I am so thankful for the mercy and grace of God.

While I love my family and much about my life, I know that in entering glory and the presence of Christ there is so much to "gain."  That is why the words of this song are so poignant for the follower of Jesus.
It Is Not Death to Die (Henri Malan/Bob Kauflin)


It is not death to die
To leave this weary road
And join the saints who dwell on high
Who’ve found their home with God
It is not death to close
The eyes long dimmed by tears
And wake in joy before Your throne
Delivered from our fears

O Jesus, conquering the grave
Your precious blood has power to save
Those who trust in You
Will in Your mercy find
That it is not death to die

It is not death to fling
Aside this earthly dust
And rise with strong and noble wing
To live among the just
It is not death to hear
The key unlock the door
That sets us free from mortal years
To praise You evermore

© 2008 Integrity’s Praise! Music/Sovereign Grace Praise

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