I Might Die Today; God Has It Handled
Scripture Reading — John 14:1-4
“I am going there to prepare a place for you …”
—John 14:2
I could die today. So could you.
Do you ever just stop and face that fact? It scares me. What will happen when I die? And what will happen to all the people I love, and to all my dreams and goals, cut short?
Jesus says, in effect, “Trust me. I am getting a place ready for you.” And the apostle Paul wrote, “No eye has seen … no ear has heard … no human mind has conceived—the things God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Paul was also torn between wanting to remain on this earth and wanting to live with Christ, “which is better by far” (Philippians 1:23).
Christians are either living a delusional dream, or they are in store for the truest and happiest gift anyone could possibly imagine. Either death is stronger than God and is a chaotic event he didn’t plan on and can’t handle, or when we die we will fall like a ripe tomato into his hand, which is ready to receive us.
Embrace this happiness of soul: All the work God has empowered you to do is to his glory; all that is undone, God will attend to. Your sins are forgiven, and you have eternal life with him. God loves the people you love, and he will attend mercifully to them. And when you die, he will attend to you also.
Oh, Lord, ease my fears. When it’s time, carry me safely home. Bless and comfort me in this mighty and unstoppable hope. In Christ, Amen.
About the author — Keith Mannes
Keith Mannes serves as pastor at Highland Christian Reformed Church in McBain, Michigan. Keith and his wife, Alicia, recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary,
and they are thankful for their three children—Eben, Charis, and Breanna.
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