Lives of many deaths

by Jon

“To those who are dying, we are the smell of death. To those who are being saved, we are the perfume of life” 2 Corinthians 2:16 (NIRV)

“I don’t want to die! I don’t want to die!”

The lady cried hysterically as the coffin lid was closed and the body was slid into the temple furnace accompanied by the chorus of chants by the presiding Buddhist monks. We were at a funeral of an uncle whom we were ministering to. He had accepted Christ but his family had decided on a Buddhist funeral for him.

I was taken aback by the lady’s reaction, especially since Thais do not usually express negative emotions openly.

I wanted to tell her the truth. I wanted to tell her that as Christians we do not have to fear death. But consumed by her fear, I don’t think she would have listened.

This incident made me ponder on death.

I realized that despite not fearing the sting of death, those who trust in Christ experience lives of many deaths.

First, as we come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, we experience the death of the old man who is condemned to a life of sin (Romans 6:6) and in turn, live as new spiritual people with the Holy Spirit as the seal of our redemption.

Then, as we live our days continuously sanctified by the power of Christ, we progressively see the death of our fleshly nature. The allure of sin fades in contrast to the glory of our Lord.

Sometimes, following in the steps of Jesus means the death of dreams and hopes that, while not sinful in itself, weigh us down from running the race abiding in the will of God. It is only after casting those dreams down that we can experience the better plan that God has for our lives.

Then, should we be walking with Christ till that day, comes the final death. It may be after living to a ripe old age in the presence of our family, in physical pain due to an inevitable illness, or even sudden beyond anyone’s expectation. Whatever it is, as we unravel from our mortal coil, we look forward to closing our eyes in this realm and opening them again in the arms of God.

This is the final death. And for those whose name is in the Book of Life, Death as a feared entity will forever lose its relevance and power as we revel in life everlasting in the loving presence of our Lord.

May we, as people who live through many deaths, live faithfully to very end.