Do you sometimes wonder if there really is life after death?
For most of us, it is sometimes just a fleeting thought that crosses the mind. Naturally, it doesn't last long, because deep down you actually know... Yes, that there will definitely be life that continues eternally on the other side of this life—after death!
This morning, during my focused quiet time before the Lord, I read the passage in Philippians 1—not for the first time, by any means. Just listen to what is written here! Remember, too, that Paul was already quite an old man at this stage! We don't know exactly how old he was, but we can sense it in what he writes here under the inspiration of the Spirit. Let me quote a few verses for you:
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.”
Do you hear it too?
These are the words of someone who knows—with absolute certainty—that there will definitely be life after this life on earth! Yes, that we as believers will be here on earth one moment, and then, the next moment—after our death—we will be with Christ, “in heaven”!
Yes, that is also what Jesus promised the murderer on the cross in Luke 23:43... the one who, in his final moments here on earth, chose to believe in Jesus:
“I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise.”
If you truly, truly believe this, it changes everything! It makes you look at and think about things in a completely different way! It sets everything right and puts things back into perspective! Then you realize what life and every day here on earth are really about, and what is truly important!
Do you hear it in what Paul says, too?
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
When you have a moment, go sit somewhere out in nature, or by the sea, and reflect on this.
What happens inside you when you remind yourself that there is more to life than just what you and I experience every day—things we sometimes wear ourselves out over and worry about so much?
In closing, may I ask you: How will this knowledge change your day-to-day life and your focus?