Recently the reality of death has been on my mind. Several weeks ago my Papa Cummins met his eternal reward, tomorrow we will be attending the funeral of Stephanie Z’s grandpa and today marks 8 years since the day of the most gruesome attack ever on American soil where thousands of lives were taken. I cannot fathom facing the reality of death apart from the realities of Christ and the gospel, for without them there is no hope in death, only despair.
The text below has run through my mind often over the past several weeks. It is an expression of the hope we have in death because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yes, in death there is still pain. There is still hurt. There is still loss. Yet there is also great hope for the Christian, because with His death and resurrection Jesus Christ has conquered the grave!
It is not Death to die, to leave this weary road,
and join the saints who dwell on high,
who’ve found their home with God.
It is not death to close the eyes long dimmed by tears,
and wake in joy before your throne,
delivered from our fears.It is not death to fling aside this earthly dust,
and rise with strong and noble wing
to live among the just.
It is not death to hear the key unlock the door
that sets us free from mortal years
to praise forever more.O Jesus, conquering the grave,
your precious blood has power to save.
Those who trust in you will in your mercy find
that it is not death to die.
