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Better Things Ahead

    Most of us are afraid to die. We think of the more "pleasant" ways we would like to go and fear how it might happen for us in the end. It is engrained in our culture to fear death. Murder and death are all over the media which can make it pretty difficult not to be afraid! But what should be our outlook on death from a Christian standpoint?

    Paul is such an excellent example of this topic. He lived a devoted life for Jesus and had a personal relationship with Him. To Paul, dying was something that he looked forward to! He said it was gain for him to die and go to be with Jesus. Also with Stephen, who was stoned to death for speaking the truth of the gospel. But in the moment of his death, all he could think about was Jesus. He looked right at Him and didn't look back to life on earth for a second, just like we are supposed to.

Philippians 1:20-21 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (ESV)
Acts 21:13 Then Paul replied, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." (HCSB)

Acts 7:54-60 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this,he fell asleep. (ESV)
    Why is it that we are so afraid of what this world can do to us? Jesus overcame every problem we will ever face-- even death. Death has been defeated! Do not be afraid to die, but look forward to going home to our Jesus. Do what He asks from you on earth, but never lose the perspective that there are far better things ahead than any we leave behind. Keep your eyes on Jesus and do not be afraid.

John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

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