Episode Details

Romans 14:8

“If we live for the Lord and if we die, we die by the Lord.”

We are all on the clock from birth. We are also challenged to face our fate without flinching. But not right now, we say.

How would you live knowing death was imminent? Seek a miracle cure? Do a bucket list? Or just hunker down and dedicate time with family and friends? Our Christian faith would be tested as we seek God for the answer to “why me?”

There are role models to admire who offer unparalleled courage, not giving in to pity or sorrow. The late theologian and pastor, Timothy Keller, wrote his book “On Death” as he was dying from pancreatic cancer at age 72. He writes: “I have no fear of death as much as dying in pain (most of us don’t get to die in our sleep). There is no downside for me leaving this life, not in the slightest. Death is a reminder of the temporary nature of life and the importance of faith in God. I believe in resurrection, a restoration of hope, and a better life. It is what Jesus’ example taught us.”

The Bible is a lens on our human dilemma, with more than 100 passages showing that death is not the end but a transition to eternal life with God.

John 11:25-26 “Jesus said, ‘I am the resurrection and the life everlasting and anyone who believes in me will live, even though they die’.”

Romans 14:8 “If we live for the Lord and if we die, we die by the Lord.”

Other human expressions in the arts, poetry, music, and literature offer wisdom on the meaning of life and death. The popular folk song from the 1960’s, “Turn, Turn, Turn-for everything there is a season,” has been described as “music as the highest possible grace note.”

“…to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven”

The lyrics are adapted almost entirely from Ecclesiastes Chapter 3. It presents the cyclical nature of life, emphasizing that God is ultimately in control of every season! Each season should be embraced with both joy and sorrow, which is to be expected.

The Book of Ecclesiastes stands as a profound exploration of the human experience in the pursuit of meaning in a world of uncertainty. It invites us to contemplate a deeper examination of what really matters in the human experience. We are urged to think beyond material success and societal norms to have a close personal relationship with God.

Closing Prayer

Gracious and loving God, we yearn for your timeless wisdom and pray for the courage profoundly shown by Jesus. Help us to remain steadfast in our life’s purpose and mission so that we never die with our songs still inside us. And may we always freely bestow kindness and strive to serve your will, following the way of your son Jesus and the life everlasting. Amen.

This devotional was written by Tim Carpenter and read by Cliff McCartney.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.