Steven A. Bush - September 17, 2017
Dying Well
Disasters and calamities that produce massive death tolls shock us. But each day a horrible plague sweeps the earth as 151,600 people die. That total comes to 55.3 million deaths per year. This tragedy strikes every twenty four hours and will continue until the Day of resurrection. But the second death, reserved for those who die without Christ, will prove far more tragic and horrible! The truth is, our days are all numbered. We are all dying. While it's a sobering thought, it needn't be a morbid one. If Christ is your Lord and Savior, dying well should be a given. Luke tells us about a prophet named Simeon and an unknown criminal, both of whom die well. Their lives could not have been more diverse. The Apostle Paul writes about dying well in 2 Timothy 4:7-8: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing." (ESV) Paul certainly lived well and died well. But the One who lived and died the best was the One who lived and died for us. Because Christ our Lord died and lives again, we are afforded the epic blessing of living and dying well. And after that, living on forevermore. Yea and Amen!