Orange Moon "To Die Well"

The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…

 

"To Die Well"

 

     I am a strong believer in what might be called "preemptive prayers," that is, making requests to God for preparation regarding future events we can be reasonably certain will take place.   Barring our Lord's return, such prayers should include our passing from this present earthly life.

 

   "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou (Peter) wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake He, signifying by what death he should glorify God" (John 21:18-19).

 

   While perhaps not the most pleasant matter to address in prayer, every devoted Christian surely desires to join the Apostle Peter in a death that brings honor to our Lord.  Thus, we do well to pray about our journey through "the valley of the shadow of death," that it will be traveled not only with the Lord Jesus, but with Him in glory to God (Psalm 23:4).  It is not inevitable that we will do so, any more than we can guarantee our present walk in faith and faithfulness.  We will require the power of God in a time wherein we may not be as able to consciously trust God as we are in this moment.  When thinking about death, we therefore do well to seek grace for the most important aspect of the experience:  "Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (I Corinthians 10:31).

 

   It was said of first century believers by the Romans who slew them, "They die well."  This is not surprising, considering that the Christ who dwelled within them died so perfectly for His Father's glory and our benefit.  We should die well also if we pass through the valley of the shadow before our Lord's return.  "Preemptive prayers" regarding the journey will go far in preparing us to shine as brilliant lights of Christ even in the hour of physical death.

 

    "Heavenly Father, if we must pass through the valley of the shadow before our Lord returns, we ask for a powerful measure of grace to enable us to glorify You.  May our countenance, demeanor, attitude, and if possible, words and deeds, shine with the light of the crucified and risen Lord Jesus.  And may we please Your heart, bless others, and discover that our Savior's promised presence in the valley will fill our hearts with wonder as You welcome us with joy.  In the Name of the Lord Jesus we pray, Amen."

 

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints."

(Psalm 116:15)

 

Weekly Memory Verse 

    And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.

(Colossians 1:17)

    

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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