One of the emerging trends in the end-of-life care industry is the
option for a sustainable burial. This usually means choosing natural
decomposition without the use of harsh chemicals, using an
eco-friendly coffin, and being finally laid on a natural burial site.
Such an option has less impact on the environment as opposed to the
traditional burial process.
While the above trend seems like a better way to pass on from this
life, we should not forget that as followers of Jesus, we can take
this a notch higher by also being blessed with an honorable death and
burial. After all, being buried in the most eco-friendly way, or
getting a diamond-studded coffin will not guarantee anyone a place in
heaven. But believing in Jesus Christ, and living a life of worship
makes for a meaningful life, honorable death, and eternity with God in
heaven.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no
more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore,
for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
The Bible has several stories that point to the valuable lesson that
God grants the righteous an honorable and peaceful death. One of these
stories is that of the Priest Jehoiada who helped ensure that the line
of King David stays alive. His wife Jehosheba safeguarded the life of
Judah’s youngest king-to-be Joash, who was then in danger of being
killed by his own grandmother Athaliah. Jehoiada and his wife raised
the would-be king in the temple and protected him until he was
anointed king. Jehoiada guided King Joash in his decisions for as long
as he lived.
“Now Jehoiada was old and full of years, and he died at the age of a
hundred and thirty. He was buried with the kings in the City of David,
because of the good he had done in Israel for God and his temple.” 2
Chronicles 24:15
Jehoiada’s efforts were not in vain, as the Lord rewarded Him with a
good life and honorable death. He may not be a king himself, but He
was buried alongside Judah’s royalty.
Like Jehoiada, our efforts to obey God and align to His will, will not
be wasted. Just as the Lord sees through the wrong things people do,
He also sees our obedience and desire to continue abiding in Him.
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have
shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
Hebrews 6:10
And just as the Old Testament has stories of people like Jehoiada, it
also contains terrifying stories of wicked people who died gruesome
deaths as part of God’s judgment on them. For instance, Israel’s
infamous evil queen Jezebel died a horrifying death as prophesied to
her because of her vile nature and idolatry.
“Therefore they returned and informed him. And he said, “This is the
word of the Lord, which He spoke by His servant Elijah the Tishbite,
saying, ‘On the property of Jezreel the dogs shall eat the flesh of
Jezebel; and the corpse of Jezebel will be like dung on the face of
the field in the property of Jezreel, so they cannot say, “This is
Jezebel.” 2 Kings 9:36-37
As present-day believers, we have a chance to pass on this earth
surrounded by our loved ones, and honored by those whose lives we have
touched. We have the privilege of seeing God welcoming us in heaven,
and telling us “well done, my good and faithful servant.” And maybe,
like the Apostle Paul, we can finally say that we did our best for the
Lord.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept
the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and
not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2
Timothy 4:7-8
If we will just continue living our faith, abiding in the Lord, and
putting Christ at the center of our lives and our families, God will
bless us with the best send-off ever. And we can tell this to those
who have yet to form a relationship with Jesus, so that they too can
share our faith, be blessed with an honorable death, and receive
eternal life.
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever
believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who
lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John
11:25-26
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on Romans 8:38-39 and Luke 2:25-35 to dig deeper on today’s
topic.
Reflection Question: Have you ever thought of your final resting
arrangements? What does it truly mean for you to finally rest in
peace?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us
the chance to rest in peace in your arms. Allow us to make the most of
our time here on earth, so that when we see you, we can hear you say
“well done, my good and faithful servant.” Amen.
