He told me about a pastor friend of his who died of cancer this past year. He had a wife and three kids, and as he neared the end was devastated that they would have to live on without him. Yet he also understood that, in terms of witness, the way that Christians approach death is possibly the most powerful statement that can be made about our faith in God.
I thought of the sinking of the Empress of Ireland in 1914. There were 167 Salvation Army soldiers and officers on board the ship, only 8 of whom survived. Reports from the survivors state:
"As these Christian men and women went in to the water with their life jackets, they swam through the cold waters, seeking out people who didn't have a life jacket and were struggling to survive. Each time they found someone, they asked: ‘Do you know Jesus?’ If the person replied ‘No’, then the Salvation Army band member took off his or her own life jacket, and gave it to save the other person."
Other survivors said: "Salvationists, finding there were not enough life-jackets for all the passengers, removed their own and strapped them upon even strong men with the words, ‘I can die better than you!’"
Would we do the same today? Are we creating communities of people who are willing to die for others, secure in the saving knowledge of Christ? Do we know how to die well? This does not mean without any fear or pain or tears. But it does mean with confidence in the Lord and a love for others.
I don't think this confidence is born in a moment. I think it takes time to develop this trusting relationship with God, through suffering and hardship and doubt, that allows us to approach the end our lives on earth with hope and victory. It also takes time to learn and practice costly, sacrificial love for one another.
This is something I will try to practice and prepare for, so as my death approaches (whenever that should be) I can join with Jesus and the saints in holy confidence and love.
Please pray for me now, and at the hour of my death.
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