If I dwelt on death as the end of life, I would of all persons be most miserable. Earthly life ends, and then a transition to eternity occurs. Paul wrote: “If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most to be pitied. But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by man came death, by a man also came the resurrection from the dead.” -I Corinthians 15:19-21 (NASV).
At times I have had a near-taste of death for myself. I faced it unafraid, because Christ walked that corridor with me. But He had not finished with me on earth at my near-to-death experiences. Recently, I held my beloved husband’s hand as he breathed his last. It was an experience that saddened me, yes, because his body could not get well. But at the same time I knew joy because he was unafraid of death, met it with a smile, was ready to go. How could I dare want him back to suffer? His “metamorphosis” is complete. One day, I will face it, too.
At times I have had a near-taste of death for myself. I faced it unafraid, because Christ walked that corridor with me. But He had not finished with me on earth at my near-to-death experiences. Recently, I held my beloved husband’s hand as he breathed his last. It was an experience that saddened me, yes, because his body could not get well. But at the same time I knew joy because he was unafraid of death, met it with a smile, was ready to go. How could I dare want him back to suffer? His “metamorphosis” is complete. One day, I will face it, too.
Metamorphosis“So also is the resurrection from the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.” - I Corinthians 15:42-44. (NASB)
The grains of wheat lie in the soilc 2011-Ethelene Dyer Jones
Awaiting spring’s warm days
To come to life, to sprout and grow,
To burgeon through seasonal phase.
The body, too, is subject
To nature’s consummate ways:
First birth, then growth, maturity,
Adjustments throughout life’s days.
Although death looms imminent
One need not fear its sting,
For victory is promised
Beyond grief’s turbulent ring.
Like dormant seeds awakened
In cycle of rebirth,
The soul, likewise, with faith alive
Can know immortal worth,
Anticipate resurrection
Brighter than morning sun,
As hope resplendent conquers death
When life on earth is done.
