SICKNESS AND DEATH IN BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE

Friday, July 07, 2017

  Longtime pal Al Heger and I are “Getting up there.” as we say. From time to time we remind each other of our mortality. This morning he sent me the following cartoon as a reminder.

(Photo wouldn't transfer. It shows 2 old coots sitting on a park bench feeding pigeons while a pir of vultures stares at them.)

Genesis 2:16-17; Philippians 1:21; Revelation 14:12-13

  Beginning with KJV Genesis 2:17 and ending with Revelation 14:13 “die” is mentioned 321 times in 299 verses. Beginning with Genesis 21:16 and ending with Revelation 21:8 “death” is mentioned 372 times in 342 verses. Additionally there are other words and terms addressing the subject.

  Though little studied or taught on, death and dying are major topics in Scripture. Judging from observation, I suspect more effort is invested in studying arguable future event(s) than examining probable infirmity and inevitable episode of death. Rejection of mortality consciousness is expensive in the end.

  As disciples of Christ ours is to see reality. We only do this when our view is according to and through God’s Word; this the way we are to see all events, including sickness and eventual death.

  Adam’s rebellion cost not just Eden’s wonderful environ, but also was at the price of perfect health of mind and body. Consequently Adam and Eve and all since die; not simply die, but an unavoidable death (Heb.9:27) preceded by sickness in mind and body. For some outwardly no more than anxiety, cold, or flu. For others, obvious mental and physical problems of serious magnitude. Whatever the grading the benchmark standard is original Eden perfection. This includes comparative sanity.

  It is difficult to watch those we love, once strong and dynamic, waste away due to illness; it is only by seeing life and death candidly in the light of God’s Word is sanity and courage realized in and through Christ’ freedom and peace. This is absolutely so whether at bedside or abed. Otherwise we live in fearfully in the shadow of death.

  Not thinking about life and death is a form of fear; fear that denies us the perfect love of God. (2Cor.13:11; 1Jn.4:17-18)

  I pray that as your life clock ticks on you may agreeably allow the Lord to direct your heart into the love of God, into the patience of Christ; keeping His commandments, willingly permitting His truth to work in you to His honor and glory; realizing the love of God perfected; by this knowing that you are secure in Him, without the inhibition of fearfulness walking even as He walked in life and death. (2Thes.3:5; 1Jn.2:4-6) 

EBB4