Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants—Psalm 116:15

The Oldman sat up in his sickbed with sensors attached all over his body, monitoring his vital signs. He cleared his throat as he talked with his four children surrounding him. He spoke candidly and with great optimism in his eyes.

He had known a lot of years and what he characterized as a very blessed life in Christ. But now, his body has known better days, and nothing stirs desire anymore. The Oldman reviewed his illustrious life with honesty. He was fearless in declaring that the time had come for him to go home to the bosom of his Savior and Lord—Jesus Christ. Dust would return to the ground it came from, and his spirit would return to Almighty God who gave it. Then, he would be no more with them (Ecclesiastes 12:2-7).

He had no regrets, no intention of fighting the cancer that was ravaging his body. Did everything seem meaningless to him like they did to the Teacher in Ecclesiastes? “If you do not know Jesus, ‘Yes,’” the old man insisted with a pleasant and confident smile. “It is only when a person acknowledges Jesus as Savior and Lord that anything becomes meaningful.”

 So, what advice did he have for the children?

“It is the reason I have called you all here today. You know all about my life. I have kept nothing hidden from you, including the fact of how terrible I was before the grace of God found me and Christ took hold of me. Life after my conversion has been my best years, and I would never trade it for any other. Christ is all that I have and all I can leave for you. Please make sure none of you deny Him. Insist on living for Him every day. I am looking forward to meeting my Savior with the crown of righteousness to award to me (2 Tim. 4:7-8). I want to see you all in heaven, and you should make sure you bring along your children and your children’s children I will never see here on earth.”

With that, the old soldier of the Lord drew his legs in and breathed his last. His body – gradually stiffening – laid there, perfectly still, but with the same smile adorning his face. He was now at peace, and heaven had opened to receive its child.

With no tears on their faces, the children held hands in a circle and thanked the Lord for their dad and the life they had shared with him. They embraced each other as the nurses came in to prepare their father’s remains for the mortuary.

What a way to go! But that is the anticipation and joy of the child of God who enjoys their earthly life in Christ Jesus. Even if wracked with pain, they pass on with contentment and a smile on their faces. 

The Psalmist was right, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants (Psalm 116:15). 

Are you prepared to go that way?