To Die

Why die?

How many times have we sought God’s intercession for healing of a loved one, a friend or even a stranger, yet they die?

The story of the leper tells us of God’s victory over physical ailment.  “And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, "Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean." He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, "I will do it. Be made clean." His leprosy was cleansed immediately.”  (Matthew 8:2-3)

Yet even with unceasing prayer, there are instances when a community fails to experience God’s healing grace.  We must not be disappointed nor lose faith.  When we think that God is not in control, He is. There are instances that God’s plan is not in accord with what we seek and aspire.  The suffering that one goes through should draw us closer to Him. “So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." (1 Pet. 4:19)

While we long for miracles to happen through the healing of those who suffer, we must realize that God’s greatest miracle occurred through death, that is, the death of his beloved son, Jesus, who suffered in Jerusalem and was crucified on the cross. Christ conquered death, as He resurrected on the third day and ascended after forty days to sit in the throne at the right hand of the Father.

We must never waiver in our faith in God for He is all-knowing, all-loving. "For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure'" (Isaiah 46:9, 10).

To die is to return to the sweet caress of the Lord. (Bro Mel B Libre)