Life & Death

Dad passed away on 25th February 2012 at 9.17p.m after a brief illness. All of us are saddened of his passing away, but also very relieved that he no longer has to suffer. As I was reflecting on the event that took place in the last couple of days, I am reminded once again on the fragility of life. Ludwig Büchner puts in perspective when he said “Death is the surest calculation that can be made”.

Death - It is something that both intrigues the world, and scares the world. It is something that we are faced with every day, sometimes expectedly, and other times not. It is something that causes philosophers to sit and wonder, what really happens when someone dies. Is there a soul? Is there an afterlife? And if so, what is the afterlife like? Many aren't so sure, and the very thought of death brings a deep conviction, a fear of the unknown.

But for Christians, death is something else altogether. There is a hope, a life existing with God. As sad as death is for us on earth, and as much as we mourn and miss those who have passed; the truth is, death is only the end of our life on earth. We do not simply cease to exist, but rather we move on to live with God, in Heaven, for eternity. We move on to a place where we can truly glorify our Lord, a place that is free from pain and suffering.

As Christians, we should not be ignorant, as Paul says, regarding those who have passed away. Rather we should rejoice that they are with the Lord, in a place more peaceful and joyous than we can ever imagine. And for ourselves, when darkness seems to surround us, we should remember that nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39), and that we have absolutely no reason to fear death (1 John 4:17).

Someone defined Christian life as, "A Christian's life is really nothing more than a bus ticket to Heaven... sure it may be a bumpy ride now and then, but the destination is worth the price paid." Do you have the bus ticket to heaven? It can only be obtained by inviting Jesus into your life.

I’ll miss Dad but we will see each other again. I know he is in a better place where there is no pain, no sorrow and no suffering.

Be Blessed.