Wednesday, November 5
Psalm 17:10-15
10 They close their hearts to pity;
with their mouths they speak arrogantly.
11 They flush me out; now they surround me;
they set their eyes to cast me to the ground.
12 They are like a lion eager to tear,
like a young lion lurking in ambush.
13 Rise up, O Lord, confront them, overthrow them!
By your sword deliver my life from the wicked,
14 from mortals—by your hand, O Lord—
from mortals whose portion in life is in this world.
May their bellies be filled with what you have stored up for them;
may their children have more than enough;
may they leave something over to their little ones.
15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.
“… when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness. …”
Early this past Saturday morning, while most of were lying in our beds enjoying a restful night’s sleep, our neighbor and good friend quietly passed away. Discovered the following morning by her husband, she had apparently gone off to be with her Lord before any of us were awake. While tragic for her family and friends, her death reminds us all of what awaits: Awaking before the Lord, beholding the likeness of the Almighty.
While it is little consolation this near to our neighbor’s death, the knowledge that she died peacefully and awoke in the presence of God engenders hope and joy. For most of us, it is our desired means of passing from this life to the next. Going to sleep one night and awakening in the heavenly realm is a inviting journey. Unfortunately, as so many of know firsthand, it doesn’t always happen so easily.
However, no matter the means by which death comes, the final outcome is guaranteed by God’s promise. “I will raise you up,” the Lord says. “You will be with me in paradise”. “You will be where I am”. These and other statements remind us of the promise of new life our Lord offers. It is a promise fulfilled this past Saturday for our neighbor and friend. It is a promise that will be fulfilled for all of us one day.
Prayer:Thank you, Lord, for the promise of new life, and the gift of awakening in your presence. Amen.