Three Reflections on a Christian's Death

Three Reflections on a Christian's Death

After a sudden death

Death
Is hard to face
No matter how you brace
Your mind and feelings.
Still
It sends you reeling.
Mourn and grieve
Until relieved,
But don't forget the good.
Seek to cherish memories--
Both fond and less pleasant.
Remembering can heal,
Bring balance.
Yes,
Death is real
But life is forever.
Yes,
Cry, ask why, and sigh--
Or whatever form of mourning is your style.
Not denial.
And hold fast, firm, like a dying woman
To the Word of life.
God knows death.
He gave His Son to conquer it.
Someday
It too will bow the knee,
Proclaim the victory and Victor.
So as you weep and miss his still,
Lean every more heavily on our Lord
And the infinity of His will.
He mourns too and knows your sorrow.
He alone goes before us to every tomorrow.
So mourner you aren't alone in sorrow or joy or pain,
Hold fast to Christ--He'll always remain
Within reach of your heart
And from His sight you'll never depart.
Hold fast to all the truth and trust;
He will see you through.

On the death of those younger: it seems like tragedy

Hearing of the homegoing
Unexpected but to God
Our lives measured
Determined each span
Illness or accident
Swift or extended
Short or so short the life
By memory extended
Let us mourn, in grief rejoice
That one so young so soon hears God's voice
Enters joyful into heaven
Let our mourning joyful be
And homegoing crave for you and me
Should our years the Lord extend
A glorious entrance our desired end

When and why does a Christian die?

A Christian's death comes when he has completed the tasks
His Lord asks--
And then comes the rest
And then comes the glory
And then comes the seeing
And then death is the means
To life in its fullness for
Life is being with and like Christ.