Rejoicing At The End

As David nears the end of his life, he leads the congregation in worship and praises to the Lord. We all mourn the passing of a loved one (Isa 38:14). However, “it is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting” (Ecc 7:2). Why is the day of one’s death better than the day of his birth? Because when a person dies (Heb 9:27), there will be no question about his reputation. While a newborn baby still has uncertainties as to the kind of person he would turn out (Prov 22:1). A life that is eIther lived for Jesus or not would answer these questions (Ps 16:11).

When Paul was nearing the end of his life, he said, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim 4:7) – his ministry and his testimony was intact! Although David’s life was filled with many challenges and failures (Ps 51:1), he sought restoration, continual guidance, and protection (Ps 25:5). He remained faithful to God until the very end (v. 17). As we come close to the end, and we are still following the Lord faithfully (Jms 4:8), then there is every reason to rejoice (Php 4:4)! We mourn the death of our loved ones because they will be missed.

But if they made a profession of their faith in Jesus (Gal 3:26), then we can also rejoice, for we know that they are “present with the Lord” (2 Cor 5:8); where there “shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain” (Rev 21:4)! Since David knows where he is going, he was rejoicing and has no fear of his impending death. We also have this same comfort and confidence (Php 1:6). Therefore, we must strive to press on (Php 3:14), and finish strong! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera