As I stood by the graveside of a dear friend this past weekend, I couldn't help but Praise the Lamb of God! Psalm 116:15 kept playing over and over in my mind, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." It was goodbye to him on this side, but hello for ever more on the other side! Only christians can truly have joy, can truly know peace when standing at death's door. That peace and grace is through Jesus Christ! Even though we will miss him, he is free from all care, all pain, he is finally at home with his Father! How can you not praise Christ's holy name!
I've been a nurse for almost 19 yrs now. I've been in contact with death more times than I can ever count. At the point of death, I have NEVER had anyone ask to see their car, home, bank statement... nothing materialistic...as they were dying. Why do we strive so hard for these things.............they don't mean a thing when it's time to cross over. I'm reminded of a song my aunts and I sing, "Only one thing will matter, when the time shall come to die. The treasures of this world, won't mean a thing. But the joy of knowing Jesus will vanish all my fears, for He took away death's sting!" My hope, the only hope I have, is in Jesus' blood!
This weekend, I will remember another graveside.......but praise the Lord, this grave is now empty, it was just a borrowed tomb! He is risen, and because He is risen, I have that blessed hope of being united with all those gone before! I want to take the time and praise His holy name! He didn't have to take on my sins, and be nailed to that rugged cross.........but because of His great love, he gladly bore it all that I may have life eternal! How wonderful to know that death in this life is not the end.......its just the beginning to life eternal! If we are saved, our tears of saddness can't help but turn to tears of joy!.........in loving memory of Charles McDaniel 12/1939 - 3/2008.
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