God’s Providence For His People In Death
Isaiah 57:1-2 (NLT)-1 Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil to come. 2 For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die.
The Prophet Isaiah reminds us that there is a Divine providence at work in the death of God’s people. It is possible that he is thinking of what had been written down in an uninspired Jewish history book called Jasher. While describing the “evil” (or “calamity”) that the world would undergo during the Flood, we are told:
Jasher 4:20-And all men who walked in the ways of the Lord, died in those days, before the Lord brought the evil upon man which he had declared, for this was from the Lord, that they should not see the evil which the Lord spoke of concerning the sons of men.
Jasher 5:5-And all who followed the Lord died in those days, before they saw the evil which God declared to do upon earth.
Jasher 5:21-And all the sons of men who knew the Lord, died in that year before the Lord brought evil upon them; for the Lord willed them to die, so as not to behold the evil that God would bring upon their brothers and relatives, as he had so declared to do.
God is able to work good, even in the midst of death. Could there be a reason why our loved one died that we don’t realize? Could there have been something coming in the life of our loved ones who have died that God was sparing them from in death? I find it comforting to know that God sees further then Mark Tabata, and works in ways I don’t fully understand to bring about good for His people. Indeed, from one Divine vantage point, death is the instrument which brings people together again with God (and with other saved individuals) in the land of Paradise. Thanks to Jesus, we can face the day of death with confidence and courage.
2 Corinthians 5:6-8-So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
The Corinthians had obeyed God’s plan of salvation (Acts 2:37-38; 1 Corinthians 1:13-18), and therefore had that confidence in the face of death that all Christians can have. Have you repented and been baptized into Christ as a believer in His Word (1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Mark 16:16)? If now, why are you waiting?
Acts 22:16-And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’
Lord, thank You for allowing us to have hope in this world of uncertainty and danger. Unless You come for us first, we know that we will all face death. Help us to honor You in our life and in our death. Forgive and strengthen us. In Your name we pray, Amen.