Precious In His Sight

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”

Psalm 116:15

Although we may wonder why He allows it and doesn’t put a stop to it, we must still “give thanks in all things” (I Thess. 5:18) and “lift high the shield of Resurrection faith” (Eph. 6:18)—knowing that one day this great Enemy will one day be no more.

Death.

It is no respecter of persons. . .robbing the cradle of both the rich and the poor. . .the educated and the unlearned. . .striking when we least expect it. . .and laughing at us as it rips out our heart by its roots.

From God’s Word we know the Cause of death: Adam’s sin (Gen. 2:17). And, it is our “union” with Him that leads us to sin, putting us under “the curse of the Law and death” (Rom. 3:23; 6:23a; I Cor. 15:21a, 22a). That’s why it’s “appointed unto every one of us to die” (Heb. 9:27) and why we should “redeem our time here on earth by investing in eternity and applying our hearts unto wisdom” (Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5; Ps. 90:12).

Likewise, from God’s Holy Word we also know the Cure of death: Jesus’ Resurrection (Jn. 11:25-26; I Cor. 15:21b, 22b). Hallelujah!! And, it’s in His Resurrection Presence, Power and Promises that enables us, like the author of today’s Manna, to say “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Glory!!

The Hebrew word “yaqar” is used here for “precious” and also means “valuable, bright, clear, costly, excellent, etc.” Thus, it’s clear that even though the Heavenly Father allows Death to run rampant on this earth for now, the “death of one of His saints” doesn’t go unnoticed. Again, even though we may not understand why He allows Death to continue his assault “like a thief in the night,” we still know our “labor is not in vain in the Lord” (I Cor. 15:58) and our “works do follow us” even after our time here on earth is through when we’ve lived for the Lord (Rev. 14:13).

We may find it difficult to see a loved one’s decline as “precious.” And, we certainly do not feel like “rejoicing and leaping for joy” (Lk. 6:23) when one we love so dear is suddenly taken from us.

But, that’s where faith comes in (Eph. 6:16).

And, it is this faith in the One “Who gives songs in the night” (Job 35:10) and brings “joy in the morning” (Ps. 30:5b; Jn. 16:33) that enables us to sing “Because He Lives” and “His Eye Is On the Sparrow” when “our tears have been our food day and night while they continually say unto me, ‘Where is your God’?” (Ps. 42:3).

Oh, dear Pilgrim, do not “weep as those who have no hope” (I Thess. 4:13) when a loved one dies—particularly if he/she knew Jesus as Savior and Lord. They “fought a good fight, finished their course and kept the faith” (II Tim. 4:7) and are now Home. Their life AND their death “were precious in His sight,” as is yours. So, right now, even as tears flow down your cheeks, say “Thank You, Lord, for loving _________/me and reminding me that I’m never alone. How precious You are to me, O Christ.”