The new Wolverine movie is out. I’m not a big Marvel comic fan (I’m a DC guy), so I had to have an explanation of this guy. Wolverine is a mutant who possesses animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities and a healing factor that allows him to recover from virtually any wound. disease, or toxin. His powerful healing factor enabled him to survive having the near-indestructible metal alloy adamantium bonded to his skeleton. In addition, this healing factor slows down his aging process, enabling him to live beyond normal human years. His is practically immortal. The new movie depicts his confrontation and struggle with his immortality and mortality.
We all struggle with mortality. I remember one of my earliest confrontations with my own mortality. My mom was driving us to a destination that I cannot remember. But I do remember we were late and she was driving very fast. So, thinking we were sure to die in a car wreck, I wrote out my ‘Last will and Testament’ on a little piece of paper and put it in the glove compartment (just in case). I wanted to make sure all my valuables (Reds baseball cards, my bicycle, and stuffed animal “Freddie”) were left in the right hands.
Well, there was no accident – not even a speeding ticket. And I forgot about the note. But a few months later my dad found it while cleaning out the car. Boy, did he have a laugh. My mom, however, did not think it as funny as my dad.
Since then I have had other confrontations with my own and others potential and actual death. If for one want to keep on living as long as I can enjoy life and be with the people I love. Some want to continue living because they are afraid of what happens when they stop living.
So how can a Christian face death? I found a few insights from an article by Wayne Jackson. Here are some great thoughts about facing death…
1. Death is a reunion with righteous loved ones.
It is written of the patriarch Abraham, “Abraham gave up the ghost, and died. . . and was gathered to his people” (Gen. 25:8). This cannot refer to the burial of Abraham’s body. He was buried near Mamre in Palestine. Yet his ancestors had been entombed hundreds of miles away in distant lands! The expressions “gathered to his people,” and “going to his fathers” (Judg. 2:10), are constantly different from being buried and mean a reunion with loved ones in the afterlife. Death brings a grand reunion of loved ones in Heaven.
2. Death is face-to-face meeting with Jesus.
For those who die in Christ, death is union with the Lord. Jesus told the dying thief, “Today you shall be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23:43). In a passage brimming with comfort, the Paul affirms that “to be absent from the body” (to be dead) is, in reality, “to be at home with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). Finally, after long years of praying and serving in faith, we will see Jesus!
3. Death is the end of the struggle with sin.
While we are living on earth in our sinful condition, we all struggle with sin. Doing things wrong or not doing things right are constantly tripping me up. I am my own worst enemy. Death will relieve me of my sin nature and I will be able to do all the things I should be doing with no hindrance.
4. Death brings a difficult reality – Hell.
For the wicked, death begins an eternity of suffering. Though it is not a popular theme in contemporary society, the doctrine of hell is still a vital part of the Bible. At death, all who have lived in rebellion to God will enter a spirit state characterized by pains, trouble, and sorrow (Psa. 116:3). They will be immersed in shame and contempt (Dan. 12:2). It will be a realm of anguish, suffering, and torment (Mt. 22:13; 25:46; Mk. 9:48; Lk. 16:24; 2 Thes. 1:9; Rev. 20:10).
Prepare for Your Death
One cannot live wrong and die right! After death there is no opportunity for repentance or salvation. Such concepts as “a second chance after death,” “baptism for the dead,” and “purgatory,” are totally without basis in the Scriptures. While it is still “today,” turn from your sin in repentance and turn to Christ for forgiveness (Heb. 5:8-9).
Though there are many things about death that we do not know (and the unknown can be somewhat frightening), the inspired word of God gives enough information that we may take courage at the prospect of dying. By faith, we know that for the faithful child of God, death will be an absolutely thrilling experience!
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