Scriptural Reference:

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die…”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a

“Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’"
Job 1:20-21

“Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.”
Psalm 139:16

“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since
by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ
all shall be made alive.”
1 Corinthians 15:20-22

“And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power."
1 Corinthians 6:14

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as
others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with
Him those who sleep in Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Reflection:
It seems to me to be some sort of contradiction when a Christian is facing death; yet they fight and grumble to the very end of life. All talk of the love and promises of Jesus the Christ seem to fade away. As they face the reality of death. Yet as Christians they should not fear death as they have a glorious promise made to them.

So to begin with, in our Christian faith, the concept of death is tied to the death of Jesus. Christians typically believe that Jesus sacrificed himself to pay for the sins of mankind and those who believe in him will be forgiven for their sins and gain an eternal life in heaven. A bliefe that is apparently held with various degrees of conviction. I have heard of some who have asked if they had "lived a good enough life" to enter heaven. While others have complained that they didn't want to leave loved ones or friends behind. Or those who conplain that it wasn't their time to die. Yet they will confess that they believe God knows what's best. Perhaps just not in this case.

So where were we before be were born? Where are we as we live in this temporary world? And where will we go when our time on earth is over and God has called us home to heaven? We have looked at someof these questions in recent posts. Though the question of where we were before birth has not been looked at. We can assage from the Bible that we were convieved by God before our conception. We were planned before birth. Our life was part of Gods plan. In Psalm 139:16 we read of this foretelling of someones existence prior to birth.

Where are we now that we are in a world boiling in confusion? We were sinners without hope. Yet it was God's Son Jesus the Christ who died for us. So that we could be reconciled with God our Father in heaven. As we have accepted Jesus as our Lord, redemption and saviour we stand apart and separate from the world around us. We have been called to live as one who is a child of God. Saved and redeemed. A life that will honour and reflect God's perfect grace. So that others will see and be drawn to the Gospel that freed us. In all that we say and do we should aim to worship God.

Where we go from this life has been expressed. We hold fast to a future promised to us. In John 14:2 the Lord tells us that there is a place set aside for us. Where we will live in peace and harmony. Where there will be no tears or sufferring. A place that is filled with light and love. As we live with the Lord and with God our Father. This i surely the second paradise.

So getting back to the begining of our reflection. Life is indeed short and fleeting. Compared to our future existance. In a place promnised and kep safe for each of us. We should not fear the sunset of this life. We should however continue to live life's worthy of our faith and in worship of our Crator and our Saviour. Lives that will shine like a beacon or lighthouse for others. Showing them a path to the Gospel.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
I pray earnestly,
To live the Gospel brightly,
Hold the world lightly,
And pray to you nightly,
As I look forward to,
meeting you face to face,
In God's heaven;y abode.

Amen