[an error occurred while processing this directive] TheBible.net: Proper Perspective (Biblical Thoughts On Death)
Proper Perspective (Biblical Thoughts On Death)
by Dan Winkler
    "You can't win." These words, inscribed on a tombstone in California, suggest how we have all felt when it comes to death. But do we have to? Is the thought of death always a corridor to abhor (cf. Hebrews 2:14-15)? Consider the dialogue of Jesus and Martha, a dialogue occasioned by the death of Lazarus, Martha's brother and Jesus' friend (John 11). It helps us see death from two perspectives: what grief says about death and what God's Son says about death.


What Grief Says About Death

    When Lazarus died, Martha was brokenhearted. In fact, she had to be consoled by a multitude of friends (John 11:17-19). The word that is translated "console" in the American Standard Version suggests the idea of inventing something to throw aside someone's sorrow. Those who attempted to comfort Martha were at a loss as to what they should do or say. She was utterly distraught. From her example of grief, we gain insight into some of the feelings we might face.

    First, at the death of someone close, grief looks for someone to blame for the pain (John 11:20-21). When Martha "heard that Jesus was coming, [she] went and met him" (ASV). Note, she simply met Him. She did not greet Him with pleasantries or embrace Him in search of comfort. She simply met Him. She left her friends as if to imply, "I have something to say to this Man." Of equal interest is the fact that when she met Him it was not with a gracious "Shalom" ("Peace"). It was with a sharp, stinging accusation: "If You had been here, my brother would not have died" (v. 21 NKJV).

    When death knocks at our door, we must remember that anger comes naturally. We might be tempted to get upset with a sibling, a brother or sister in Christ, or even the deceased - "How dare he/she leave me to fight the battles of life alone." Whichever is the case, Christianity calls for a gentleness that resists ill feelings toward others (cf. Colossians 3:8, 12-14).

    Second, at the death of someone close, our grief tempts us to live in the past (John 11:22). As an appendix to her accusation, Martha said to Jesus, "And even now I know that, whatsoever thou shalt ask of God, God will give thee (ASV)." Think of the miracles Martha had witnessed. It is not surprising to see her hoping for one on this occasion: "I wonder if _ do you suppose _ could He _ would He _ will Lazarus be raised from the dead?" She wanted her brother brought back to life. She wanted Jesus to make things the way they used to be.

    When death comes to those we love, we might find ourselves thinking the same way. "Dear God, I would give the rest of my life if I could live one day the way it used to be!" When death deprives us of a future, it is easy to live in the past. After all, if our dreams are taken away, memories are all we have left. Ultimately, however, to use the words of Holy Writ, we need to "press on" (cf. Philippians 3:13-14).

    Third, at the death of someone close, grief can be very critical of others. On this occasion, Jesus said to Martha, "Thy brother shall rise again" (John 11:23-24). From our perspective, we know what Jesus had in mind. But Martha misunderstood. "I know that," she replied, thinking that Jesus had the final resurrection in mind.

    A thanatologist is a student of death, and that is what Martha saw in these words of Jesus. She may have thought, "My brother is dead; I'm dying on the inside; and you want to get philosophical? I need something practical! Don't preach, don't just say something - do something!"

    We need to be sure that we are as generous with others as possible. Death hurts, and the pain we feel can skew our perception of what others do or what others say. Remember, love is gracious and places the best thought possible on the actions of others (1 Corinthians 13:7).


What God's Son Says About Death

    Of interest, when Lazarus died, Martha was not the only one with feelings of grief. Jesus was brokenhearted, too. In fact, the Holy Spirit tells us that He "groaned in the spirit, and was troubled" outside the tomb of His friend. Literally, He "snorted with anger and was agitated" over the idea of death touching someone He loved (John 11:33-36). Like Martha, He was grieved, but He handled His feelings differently, and in so doing, He gives us some things to think about when we lose someone close to us.

    First, to Jesus, death had a purpose (John 11:3-6). When He assessed the illness and impending death of Lazarus, He saw it as an opportunity to "glorify God." Paul must have felt the same way when he wrote, "Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death" (Philippians 1:20).

    When death knocks, others are watching, and their attention affords us the privilege of glorifying our God by the way we handle our grief. "Now that is what their faith in God is all about," should be the witness borne to the way each of us deals with loss.

    Second, to Jesus, death is pleasant (John 11:11-14). Repeatedly He described Lazarus' death as a pleasant, restful sleep. Paul used this same description in his words of comfort to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

    This and many other biblical descriptions of death can help. Certainly, there are unfavorable words attached to the concept of death: returning to dust (Genesis 3:19), giving up (25:8), being cut down (Job 14:1-2), and going into silence (Psalm 115:17). At the same time, death is presented in many beautiful ways in Scripture: a release (Job 14:14), a flight (Psalms 90:10), a voyage (Philippians 1:23), and a breaking up camp (2 Peter 1:14). The broken pillar and the extinguished torch are never fitting emblems for the resting-place of God's child. Death need not be a fiend; it can be a friend.

    Third, to Jesus, death is not permanent (John 11:23-25). When He arrived on the scene, the first thing He said to Martha was, "Thy brother shall rise again." The second thing He said was, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth on me, though he die, yet shall he live; and whosoever liveth and believeth on me shall never die." Look at those words. Death does not have the final say. It is not the final chapter. It is not a period in one's existence; it is just a comma (1 Corinthians 15:51-58).

    One day, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob and Leah will be able to join hands and march away from their cave in Machpelah. One day, the thousands who fell to an unmarked grave in the wilderness of sin will rise and dust off the sands of time. One day, Moses will levitate from his one-man cemetery and join the resurrected millions who meet Jesus in the air.

    One day, Goliath - with his head intact - Saul, Jonathan, Uriah, Bathsheba, Absalom, Solomon and David will encounter each other's presence again as the last of all days begins. Think of the great reunion Jesus will enjoy with His mother or His apostles. Better yet, think of what it will be like to feel the lips of your spouse, to hear the laughter of your children or to know the embrace of your mother and father again. Some day "all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, and shall come forth" (John 5:28-29). Won't that be something!


Conclusion

    Death is not permanent. Death is a pleasant transition and an opportunity to honor our heavenly Father. When we face the death of someone close to us, we - like Martha - might be tempted to become caustic, melancholy or critical, but, thankfully, the way our Lord handled grief can help us as we learn to live with death.

*Note - The parenthetical (Biblical Thoughts On Death) was added by the site administrator to the title Proper Perspective to indicate the subject of the article.

This item originally appeared at Gospel Advocate (April 2002)


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