December 22, 2020 – Click here to listen
My wife’s brother died this week from Covid. He went into the hospital and immediately developed pneumonia and was put on a ventilator and then his kidneys failed, and a lung collapsed and that was it. He was 75.
He was alone when he died due to family Covid restrictions at the hospital and aside from some Facetime with his wife for a little while prior to them putting him on a ventilator no one was with him when he crossed from this world to the next.
We all have to face death; it is inescapable. I think Covid is particularly cruel because it deprives family and friends of an opportunity to say their goodbyes and get affairs in order.
My wife had a bout with pulmonary embolisms again about six months ago and they insisted I drop her off at the emergency room. She almost died from this same condition a few years back and to watch her standing outside the emergency entrance by herself was tough to take. She was in the hospital for a week in serious condition and they would not allow me to see her at all.
The solution of course is to say what you need to say prior to their getting sick. If you have loved ones, tell them you love them now and tell them often. Too often it is put off as though we will all live forever.
The Bible states in Psalm 39:4 – “Lord, make me to know my end and what is the extent of my days; let me know how transient I am.”
Death and dying are uncomfortable subjects for most people, particularly when it comes to one’s own death. Many of us make our way through life never giving a thought to our mortality until a serious illness, the loss of a loved one, or some other jarring occasion confronts us with the inescapable reality that one day we will die. Ecclesiastes 7:2 tells us that “death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart.” How do I take my own death to heart? How can I be prepared to die?
By having the right relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
The sting of death is removed for true Christians because we know where we are going when we die. Our perishing bodies will be transformed into immortal ones that will live forever with Christ in God’s eternal kingdom.
In reality, we are never truly ready to live until we are prepared to die. Think about it!
After we have placed our faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, we can further prepare for death by staying in a right relationship with the people in our lives. We ought to consider our relationships with family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Are there any relationships that need to be reconciled? Is there someone we need to forgive, someone who needs our forgiveness? Are there words that need to be said?
Then say them NOW!
And remember when a Christian dies it is time for paradise for them. Jesus made that very clear. Grieve for yourself but the great reward has begun for those who walk with Jesus and stay the course.
John 16:22
So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.