26Apr
This week I was called upon to assist a family who lost a loved one. I am glad to say that the death was not COVID related. As I drive to homes where there is a loss, I ask God to help me to be a blessing. Unlike Jesus, I can’t reverse the loss. I learned a long time ago what encourages one family irritates another. But, death is death, and it leaves empty arms in every family. How can I be sure that I will help and not exacerbate a harrowing situation? Over and over, I have seen the radical difference it makes when the one who dies has expressed good reasons for their confidence when it is their turn to die.
There are a few things of which we can all be sure regarding death. First, we can be sure that death will come to us all. No one escapes! Next, we can be sure that we are ready. How can we be sure? John succinctly tells us how to know, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13 NIV) The keyword here is “believe.” Bible belief is a matter of agreeing with God about your spiritual needs and sincerely seeking forgiveness based on what Jesus did for us. Surety of eternal life cost Jesus much and is offered to us freely.
Finally, you can be sure that your family will be greatly helped when it is your time to die if you give them the reasons for the hope that you have. (1 Peter 3:15) Share those reasons. Have a conversation about it. If that is not possible, write a “When I Die” letter in which you carefully explain your hope for eternal life. Again, if conversations don’t work for your family, then ask them to humor you and write their “When I Die” letter.
A couple of years before our son David died, I asked him to humor his old man and write out the reasons that he was sure. Why would I do that? We could see the course that Huntington’s Disease was taking. Since we can be sure we have eternal life, why not be sure? Let your family know your reasons! Don’t let the request be about proving who is right. It is about sharing our hope.
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