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

Our pastor's mother passed into eternity last week and he shared this message on his blog today, and I thought it might encourage those who have recently had loved ones that have passed into eternity as well.

"On the all-night vigils at mom's bedside, I consumed large quantities of the word of God. On one of those times, I came across a very familiar passage from 1 Corinthians 15.54; So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, death is swallowed up in victory. Why is Scripture so positive about death? God actually states promises like; death is desirable (Numbers 23.10), it is fearless (Psalms 23.4), it is hopeful (proverbs 14.32), triumphant (Luke 16.22), divine (Romans 14.8), great gain (Philippians 1.21), illuminates our faith (Hebrews 11.13), blessings are announced on it (Revelation 14.13). God even tells us, Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalms 116.15. Consider it from this perspective. We were conceived in the mind of God before the universe was created according to Jeremiah. We were created in the image of God at creation. We were made righteous in Christ at Calvary. Then we are born again by the Spirit of God at salvation. What is left? We struggle in the darkness of this life with sin, our flesh, our own past, our inadequacies, and then it is over. At the very end of our days are the most difficult days. We are physically at our weakest. Yet, we become much more alive in Christ, more mature, more filled with His Spirit, and in the very valley of the shadow of death, is the greatest sting that sin has to throw at us - death. Think of this in light of the phrase, death is swallowed up in victory. The greatest struggle is right before....birth into our eternal home. So shall we ever be with the Lord. We leave the darkness, and come into His marvelous light. We cease to breath in the fluid of this life and began instantly to breath celestial air. We leave the life where we see through a glass darkly, and we began to see the world as God sees the world with His clarity and perspective and fuller knowledge. We touch a hand and it is His. When mom was birthed into glory, I deeply hurt for my dad. However, I wanted to stay in the room, looking at the shell that at one time contained my mother. It was one of the most victorious, peaceful, full moments of life when it dawned on me; her struggle is over, she was birthed into the arms of her Eternal, Heavenly, Father. Her redemption is complete. Her death is, swallowed up in victory. Her frail little body was left lying there as little more than "after-birth," while she put on a spiritual body. No wander God said, to Him and His children - death is precious."

www.ohbc.us -->pastor's blog

This came at an appropriate time - I am going to forward it to my girlfriend who has had so much tragedy over the last few years.  I am not sure where she stands with the Lord but I feel led to share this with her.  Thanks Lorraine!

I'm so glad Norma Jean.  I also just stumbled on this video talk given by a mother (37) who has terminal cancer.  It is 55 minutes long and every part of it is tremendous.  I love the title she gives it : Death is not Dying.  The video was only made in March in Canada and speaks volumes and is packed with truths we all need to fully comprehend and understand. I think your friend will gain a lot of insights from this as well. Sickness and death is all around us and you'll hear the young woman wrap up with the "why" at the end of her talk.  http://deathisnotdying.com/fullvideo/