When Christians Die

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116:15 ESV)

Most mornings, over the last couple of years, I stop by a local extended care facility to help a friend of mine get up and go to breakfast. I pour his coffee and while I’m at it, I walk around the dining room and pour coffee for others. I’ve gotten to know most of their names and have heard some of their personal stories. Like Bob Miller, for instance, who just passed away at 92-years old. I loved Bob’s radiant smile and cheerful greeting each day. Bob was quick to tell me and everyone else he met, that he loved Jesus and that he was still an active member of Gideons Bible Society. Bob attended and even led a Bible study at the facility. I always loved hearing his enthusiastically told stories, which he had lots of. Bob told me he was looking forward to “being promoted to glory”, as he happily put it. Of course, Bob is there now and I’m sure, is more alive now, than ever. The Bible points out that when we live for Christ, “to die is gain!”

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21 ESV

Therefore…

“For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.” (Rom. 14:8 ESV)

“Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” (2 Cor. 5:8 ESV)