The text message from my brother was terse: “Dad just passed away. Come to ward now.”
My 84-year-old father had vacillated between life and death for 2 months. He finally took his final breath. Dad had lost his battle with cancer, and losing him deeply saddened me. And yet I also rejoiced, for he hadn’t really lost the battle. He had won it decisively. Twenty-five years earlier, he had given his life to Jesus and received something “far better” (Philippians 1:23). And now, Dad had gone home to live forever with his Lord (1 John 5:11-12).
Paul was in prison in Rome waiting for the outcome of his appeal to Caesar (Philippians 1:13, 4:22; Acts 25:11). With the Philippian believers praying for him (Philippians 1:19), Paul believed that he would be released soon and that he should continue to minister to them (Philippians 1:25-26, 2:24). For their sakes, it was necessary for Paul to remain on this side of heaven (Philippians 1:21-22,24). But Paul longed to be with God, for he knew it would be “far better” (Philippians 1:23).
For Paul, the crucial issue was not living or dying. It was keeping up his faithful testimony and witness for Jesus. Paul’s goals were to “continue to be bold for Christ,” to “do more fruitful work for Christ,” and to “bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die” (Philippians 1:20,22).
My father sought those same goals. During the last 25 years of his life, he strove to bring honor to Jesus. He boldly lived for Him, and experienced the joy of his faith (Philippians 1:25) even in the midst of painful cancer. That was my dad’s example and legacy (Romans 5:3-5). He could say with Paul, “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better” (Philippians 1:21).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 16:19-31
More:
Read John 14:1-6 and Luke 23:43 to see what kind of future Jesus promised to those who believe in Him.
Next:
How will you strive to bring honor to Jesus during your remaining days? (Philippians 1:20). What “more fruitful work for Christ” will you do? (v.22).
daisymarygoldr on August 17, 2011 at 12:43 am
KT, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your father’s story. His faith even in pain—has inspired me. Truly, it is a privilege for saints to bring honor to Christ both through life and in death. And the grace that sustains them in their sufferings glorifies God. My heartfelt condolences to you and your loved ones… May God comfort you all with His peace.
pteast on August 17, 2011 at 4:59 am
I too am so sorry for your loss. And now you can rejoice in what you had and also rejoice in where he is. Way far better!!!
chbedok on August 17, 2011 at 10:00 am
i have done somethings recently that are rude and wrong and dishonourable to God’s glory.
please pray for me, so that I might change and grow wise from this experience, to better myself and act in a way that would honour God and his teachings and ways. i still have much to learn…
sandylu on October 8, 2011 at 5:51 pm
Recognizing you have done wrong is the first step in making true change from the heart. You already request wisdom and the desire to honor God, and when that is the true desire, God will assist you. He WILL lead you, teach and correct you. Read your Bible, and confide in a mature Christian if possible. But do NOT give up seeking righteousness, for you CAN be successful –and defeat Satan’s ploy!
tim gustafson on August 17, 2011 at 5:52 pm
KT, thanks for sharing this very personal story with us.
And chbedok, I believe we are all in this together! Your honesty and candor are healthy and helpful.
joo_sg on August 19, 2011 at 6:04 am
At a ripe old age of 84 and suffering from cancer, to die is truly better than to live. But what are our thoughts when someone vibrant, positive and actively contributing to the Kingdom of God suddenly exit from this life? A friend of mine just did, at age 50. She has brought up two great sons, one is in the army and one studying in Imperial College. She has not started to enjoy the fruit of her labour, to enjoy her golden years with her loving husband and wonderful sons. She was actively serving in BSF and in church…why Lord?
At the end of the day, just have to concede that God is not omni-causal. He did make something good out of this – my friends husband accepted the Lord at the hospital before she passed on.
In writing my tribute to my friend, I concluded she had lived a full life. Perhaps it is really not important how long we live, whether die young or die old. Important is we sieze the day and not spend our living moments in strife, bitterness, negativeness, jealousy, envy, conniving to get what’s not meant to be ours and not appreciating what we do have.
Yeah I think my biggest take away from my friend is to live a full life by His grace – to enjoy, appreciate and fulfill His purpose in and through our lives.
sandylu on October 8, 2011 at 5:56 pm
You are right in not placing your understanding of this death over the purposes of God. Our faith and trust must remain in Him even in those confusing and hurtful situations. What a glory that her husband accepted Christ as Savior.
Yes, let us all continue to live the fully dedicated life of righteousness – growing in faith and sharing His grace – leaving all the rest to God.