Psalm 116 has a pretty famous verse. It’s verse 16. It says, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”
Lymon Coleman tells about the death of his wife, Margaret. He writes, “The most painful decision of my life was asking God to take her home. She had been suffering from repeated brain seizures and her body was wasted. I whispered in her ear: “Honey, I love you. I love you. Jesus wants you to come home. We are going to be all right. We give you permission to let go.” She closed her eyes and fell asleep.…As I write this letter, I realize I am without my editor. My greatest critic. My teammate. Soul mate. Prayer mate. Partner in everything. We traveled the roads less traveled together in hard times and good times. Honey, I miss you. I miss you. I miss you. I will keep the light on for the kids. I will be there for friends. And one day we are going to join you. All of us. Because Jesus promised it.
I’m reminded that the only time Jesus is said to be “Standing” at the right hand of God, rather than sitting, is in the exclamation of Stephen in Acts 7. As he was dying, with his last breath, he exclaimed, “I see Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” I’ve always thought that Jesus stands to welcome home his people. It’s something to remember as we too say goodbye to our loved ones. It’s also something to remember as we consider our own deaths. It’s precious to Him and he stands to greet us.
Chuck
“ Rescue me because you are so faithful and good. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is full of pain.” (Psalm 109:21-22)