Precious in the Sight of the Lord

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15

My wife's mother went to be with the Lord last Tuesday morning.  We received a call at 3:30 a.m. to say she didn't have much time left.  Most of the family was at her side by 3:45 a.m.  Mom was not responsive.  Her eyes were shut.  We said our goodbyes and stood there waiting.  It seemed so awkward.  No one knew what more to do or say.  I finally asked for a Bible and read Psalm 23 and then 2Corinthians 5:1-9.  Shortly after that, just three or four minutes before her last breath,  Mom jerked her head up a little and opened her eyes.  She wasn't seeing any of us.  I can't help but wonder if she was seeing her Saviour and her new home.  From that point her breathing slowed and she went peacefully into eternity.

This was my first time to be present when someone died.  There is probably no "normal" in these situations, but I thought it might be helpful to share some observations and thoughts.  It was very hard.  It was awkward, uncomfortable and sad.  I was reminded that death is still our enemy, as Paul says in 1Corinthians 15.  We do not readily accept it, nor should we.  It is the result of sin coming into the world and it hurts!

And yet it is an enemy that will one day be abolished.  Jesus has already won the victory.  It is just a matter of time before we experience that victory for ourselves.  That is why the psalmist can say that a saint's death is precious to the Lord.  Seen from God's perspective death is not the end, but the beginning of forever with Him for those who put their faith in Christ.  We would not wish Mom back from there!  This is the ultimate in God's power overcoming our weakness!  So we live with the sadness and the void, but also look ahead by faith to going through that same door to that same victory. 

Dave