May 30

The Persistence Of Life

Even Moses demonstrates that the dead are raised, in the passage about the burning bush. For he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive. — Luke 20:37-38 BSB

What is Death? It is not a final condition, but a transition; not a permanent dwelling, but a passage; not a house, but a doorway. Scripture refers to death as a birth—“the firstborn from the dead”; as an exodus—“after my exodus,” says Peter; as the striking of a tent—“I must soon put off this tabernacle”; and as the weighing of an anchor—“the time for me to depart is near.” Each of these metaphors emphasizes that death is a momentary act. One moment we are absent from the body, and the next we are present with the Lord.

Persistent Personality. In the world to come, we will surely recognize one another and be even closer than we were in our happiest earthly days. Abraham will still be Abraham, Isaac will still be Isaac, and Jacob will still be Jacob. We will not be bodiless spirits, but real, living personalities, transformed and glorified. Moses and Elijah were recognized as such on the Mount of Transfiguration, and Mary recognized the risen Christ in the garden. What would it have meant for Jesus to promise the thief that he would be with Him in Paradise, if the thief could not recognize Him there?

Persistent Love. Love never fails! But how can love continue without an object, and how could it forget? Jesus spoke of the “many mansions,” knowing that human hearts cling to those they love, even in the light of resurrection. That’s why He sent a message to Peter by name and came back for Thomas. And won’t He do the same for us, whom He loves? Charles Kingsley asked that the words “Amavimus, Amamus, Amabimus”—We loved, we love, we shall continue to love—be inscribed on the gravestone above him and his wife. Who can deny the truth of those words?

Persistent Activity. “His servants will serve Him!” The tasks we fumbled in this life with our inexperienced hands will be completed there. As we unravel the tangled threads of our lives, we will weave fabrics more beautiful than we ever dreamed.

Prayer

Lord, free me from the fear of death. And when my eyes open in the dawn of heaven, may I see You standing to welcome me, and may I hear You say, “Well done!” Amen.