This may sound strange, but it is a fact that death is not the worst thing that can happen to a believing Christian! I can recall the first time I heard that statement in a quiet conversation with Harry M. Shuman, who for many years was the president of the The Christian and Missionary Alliance. He was a soft-spoken yet forceful man of God, rich in the wisdom of God’s Word. We were talking of the serious issues of life and death. When he had something especially important to say, Dr. Shuman had an unusual way of lowering his voice and tilting his head just a bit. I can see him yet as he looked out from under his shaggy brows straight into my eyes. “Remember, Tozer,” he said, “death is not the worst thing that can happen to a person!” For the Christian, death is a journey to the eternal world. It is a victory, a rest, a delight. I am sure my small amount of physical suffering has been mild compared to Paul’s, but I feel as Paul did: “I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far” (Philippians 2:23).
Verse
He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. John 11:25
Thought
Death is not the worst thing that can happen to a believing Christian!
Prayer
Lord, may I learn to live with anticipation for the day that I may shed this mortal coil, and in living may I glorify the name of the one who saved me from my wretched state.