The older I get, the more I think about the subject of death. I realize the topic is taboo to some; others simply want to ignore it. A few delight in discussing at length what many deem as a macabre topic. And there are a couple, or so, “Subject Matter Experts” around who are believed to know all that can be known about Death: the Final Frontier.
But who can REALLY know? Who can say they know absolutely, positively, all there is to know about death? Who can truthfully say that death isn’t somewhat of a mystery to them?
Even though there have been people who were miraculously raised from the dead; from the olden days of Elisha and Lazarus, to modern times; death is still a mystery. It can only be explored by someone who experiences it.
Jesus taught about death, experienced death, and lived again to tell about it. But even with all His teachings, the mystery remains.
I know what some may be thinking. “Death isn’t a mystery to me! I have faith!”
That’s nice! I also have faith. Faith in the atoning work of God through His Son, Jesus Christ. But faith doesn’t eliminate the mystery; it sustains, guides, and helps one grasp the promise of another. My faith in Jesus and His Word has helped me grasp His promise of Eternal Life. But the mystery won’t be “solved” until I take that step into the Final Frontier.
It seems so permanent, and so unfair. Unfair, unless there’s something much better than we can see or know as long as we’re on this side of the frontier. I’ve heard, and read, that everything is “much more” on the other side. Beauty is much more beautiful, love is much more loving, LIFE is much more lively; and death is much more permanent.
But there’s only one way I’m going to know for sure. I’ve got to experience it! And experience it I will, unless a certain trumpet blows first.
There’s absolutely no way around it; no escaping the inevitable. Death: the Final Frontier, invites, no, demands, all to come and explore.
By the way, in preparing for your trip, make sure you pack carefully and lightly. Trust in Jesus, submission to His Lordship, and peace in your soul is pretty much all you’ll need, all you CAN, take.
The journey to the Final Frontier lasts but just a brief moment, in comparison to what lies ahead.
“yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” (James 4:14 ESV)
The Final Frontier for us all lies just beyond the door we refer to as death; that moment our spirit leaves its body to either be united with the Lord, or find its eternity in the place for the damned.
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” (John 3:36 ESV)
“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:12 ESV)
Death, at that point, will no longer be a mystery.
Jan Grace 