As the day darkens, fear creeps in, even to the minds of faithful believers. The discussion about dying is uncomfortable. It is difficult. Sometimes you don’t want to talk about it because you do not want to think about your own passing. What do we need to say?

Yesterday I was in the room with one of our long-time church members as he took his last breath. All the family members were gathered around. They wept and prayed.

Mike had struggled with multiple ailments for many years despite his relatively young age. During a routine medical treatment on Monday morning, his heart stopped beating. Medical personnel were able to get his heart going, but it was going to take some time before doctors would be able to ascertain the physical and neurological damage caused by the event. Then the second event occurred and led to his passing within a short time.

The atmosphere in the hall with his wife, son, sister, mother and all the extended family was remarkable. There was sorrow, but not despair, surprise but not shock. This family was prepared for this moment.

It was not the case a year ago.

Mike had a near-death experience a year ago. He spent eight days in the ICU and several months in rehabilitation. The family had a much greater struggle during that time. They were not as ready then as they are now.

As he recovered during the last year he recognized how unprepared his family was for his death, which, unless the Lord worked a miracle, would occur sometime in the not-to-distant future. So, on his own initiative and at the nudging of his godly sister, he had conversations with his family. He talked with them about his own death. He told them about his confidence in his God and his eternal salvation. He told them he was looking forward to heaven. He talked about the questions he wanted to ask Peter and his longing to see his father Jim, who preceded him in death many years ago. Just days before his passing Mike and his dear wife had a four hour conversation on the subject.

Mike prepared his family for yesterday in a way that I, as a pastor could never do.

Jesus spoke about His impending death with His loved ones beforehand.

Can I encourage you to talk to your family about this very uncomfortable topic? Jesus talked about His death beforehand with His disciples (Matthew 16:21), and Peter reacted like many family members do when the topic comes up. “Don’t say that. You are going to live forever. Don’t talk about such things.” Jesus’ response was a very stern rebuke. Such as conversation was important for the Kingdom and the preparation of the disciples for what would come.

Paul also spoke about his death on multiple occasions.

In Philippians 1:20-21, he talked longingly about what it would mean to him to be with Christ, but he also knew that he would remain for now for the sake of the believers. But when the end finally came, Paul told Timothy that he was ready and how much he eagerly anticipated what was to come (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

I can imagine Timothy opening that letter to read those words, likely after he had heard the news that Paul had already been martyred. What comfort it must have been to know that Paul was not in fear or anguish, but was content that his battle was finished and he was on his way to meet his Lord.

Read More