Birth and death

 

I recently heard the testimony of a Christian friend who has been diagnosed with a life-limiting blood disorder. A previously healthy and fit man, he is now faced with the prospect of regular transfusions for an immune system which is compromised. His life expectancy is greatly reduced and a simple virus could prove fatal. He was naturally shaken and shared candidly about his fears and need to reevaluate his plans for the future; yet at the same time he spoke of his unshakable faith and trust in God’s care.

We all understand that we are mortal – that this life has a time limit and an ending. Most of us have the sense that there is more time in this life yet to come. We are shocked by tragedies where lives are needlessly and horribly cut short. Death is real and yet somehow abstract.

In the year 2000 I was suddenly diagnosed with endometrial cancer. I remember going in to the doctor’s office for test results, assured in my own mind that all was well – I was healthy, ate well and exercised – I had no concern at all that anything was wrong. I left that office in shock and disbelief.  As a Christian, my first reaction was “God, I don’t want this.”

My main concern throughout the weeks that followed was that my young boys would be left without a mother. Thankfully, surgery was successful and I’ve been blessed with many years of life since. I was so grateful at the time for my husband, family and friends, teachers and church family, all who rallied around with support of different kinds. I’m so thankful to God for my life.

Many people are afraid of death. The Bible holds promises which can help to allay this fear. In the book of Hebrews, we are told that Jesus Christ suffered death to “free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death” (Hebrews 2:15-16). Jesus promises to be with us on this last journey of life:

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me: your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

““Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14: 1-3.

In the book of Acts there’s an account of the death of Stephen, a devout follower of Christ who ministered mightily in the early church, was arrested and sentenced to death by stoning. When about to face this terrible death, Stephen, a man described as “full of faith and the Holy Spirit” received a vision of heaven from God:

“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.  “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:55-56.

Stephen was enabled to commit his spirit to God and ask God to forgive his murderers. It is not known but I wonder if in conjunction with this blessed vision, God spared Stephen any pain.

…….

As a mother who has twice experienced pregnancy and childbirth, I sometimes wonder if in the process of birth, God has given us some indication of our rebirth into heaven. As Christians, we speak about being “born again”, a term which Jesus used when speaking to Nicodemus (see John chapter 3) and this refers to a rebirth of the spirit- a spiritual change from a sinful life to one committed to Christ, becoming a new person in Christ and receiving the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. What of the death of our body?

When a baby is in the womb, he or she knows little of the world outside. The child is fed, develops and grows. Ideally this child feels comfortable, protected, safe and loved. At a certain time, the baby’s life will change dramatically and irrevocably. They must leave the womb and embark on life in the world. But they are never alone. Only then will they feel gentle hands receiving them and see the joy on the faces of their mother and father. They will be held and caressed and bathed and wrapped and loved. Attendant doctors and midwives will do everything they can to ensure the best support for the baby and his or her parents.

As a Christian I believe that when I die I will go to Heaven to be with Jesus. Just as I left my dear Mother’s womb to reside fully in this world, so I will leave this world to reside fully in Heaven, saved only through my Saviour, Jesus. I won’t be alone, because He will be always with me. Just as a baby in the womb may have a very limited view of the world beyond, so we can really only imagine what our life in Heaven with Jesus will be like. I’m sure it will be absolutely amazing. I for one will be satisfied to fall at the feet of my Saviour and worship Him with the angels.