Christians are part of the Cloud of Witnesses who are the Covenant family of God. When a family member dies, he or she leaves a legacy behind and shows us the life path’s entry into God’s pledged reward, eternity with Jesus. We have all attended Memorial services; we mourn with celebration. We see that saint’s purpose, and know once again that we are God’s children, that He loves us, that we can celebrate each other’s lives well lived. I wrote this poem at the death of another Betty, one who called us all God’s kids.
MY PSALM 306 DEATH OF A SAINT
Abba, Father, God of creation, Lover of our souls,
You have known us eternally
And formed us according to Your purpose
To live in this time and place.
Your Psalm 139 tells us
That even as we were being formed in the womb
You knew the time of our death.
Your infinite plan for us even numbers our hairs.
Why then, does mankind long to do as He pleases
When You have created us for Your purposes?
“So teach us to number our days that we may
Get a heart of wisdom.”[1]
From the moment of Adam’s sin
Man has feared death.
But through Christ’s resurrection
Your saints look forward to our homecoming time
To spend eternity in Your Presence
Where “there will be no more tears.”[2]
Your word is clear. I am precious in Your sight.
“You have kept count of my troubles;
Put my tears in your bottle.[3]
Are they not recorded in your book?
Then my enemies will turn back
In the day when I call.
This I know, that God is for me.
In God, whose word I praise,
In God I trust; I shall not be afraid.”[4]
We know You lead us in the valley
Of the shadow of death,
That You shepherd us through this life
And beyond.[5]
What then, is there to fear?
And Your word reveals:
“Precious in the sight of the Lord
Is the death of His saints.” [6]
We thank You Lord
For Your grace and mercy
For the comfort You provide
As we face our own death
And suffer the loss of others to death.
We believe Your promises
And thank You for the atoning work
Of Your Son, Jesus
In showing us life to come. Amen.
[1] Psalm 90: 12
[2] Revelation 21: 4
[3][3] Psalm 56: 8
[4] Psalm 56: 11
[5] Psalm 23
[6] Psalm 116: 15
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