"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Phil. 1:20,21).
Death is never a favorite topic even though it is inevitable. The Bible is open about the seasons of life: "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot." (Eccl. 3:1-2).
Paul had a healthy and strategic positioning about death. His death would work towards his benefit. He had no fear about death for he was convinced of his eternal life in Christ and lived a purpose-driven life on Earth. Every moment of Paul's life was spent in active service of his King. Jesus was the centre of his life, the source of his life, and the Author and Finisher of his life. Paul's timing was already decided by God and he acquiesced with peace and joy.
What a wonderful peace to know that our times are in the hands of our Savior and King. A Sunday school teacher was teaching on heaven and she described its beauty with streets of gold and all the angels worshipping God. She concluded by saying to the children, "Raise your hand if you want to go to heaven." Every hand shot up immediately except one child. When he was asked why he didn't raise his hand, his reply was, "Mom just baked an apple pie for dinner."
While we enjoy life on Earth, we should also plan for our eternal destination. Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, safe and secure as your times are in His hands and heaven becomes your destination to live with Him forever.
Kingdom Dynamics:
I have eternal life and I live in the security of my future in God's hands.
Read the Bible in One Year: Obadiah; Revelation 9.
@Dr Pat Francis
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