Beautiful homecoming

A close friend of ours died last week.  She had suffered from cancer for many years when she finally lost the battle and in the most beautiful of circumstances went home to Jesus.  On that day we arrived at the hospice house to see her and her brother who took care of her.  Other family members and friends were there too.  She was sleeping peacefully and seemingly unaware that any of us were there.

Soon the nurses came in to reposition her in the bed.  The movement triggered something within her, and we all knew she was near the end of her journey.  We started to sing, pray, and read scripture over her, and within a half hour she breathed her last and was released from her tormented shell.  The suffering for her and her family was over.  There was a collective sigh of relief from all of us, and the gloom we had all felt over the last few months was lifted. 

It reminded me of King David when he mourned for his baby son who suddenly became gravely ill.  For seven days David lay prostrate on the floor fasting and praying for God to save his son, only to learn that he had died anyway.

It was at this news that David got up, washed and anointed himself and went to the house of the Lord to worship.  Then, he went home and ate a meal.  His servants were shocked.  How could this man just get up and resume business after his son just died.

He said, “While the child was yet alive I fasted and wept for him: for I said: Who knows whether the Lord may not give him to me, and the child may live?  But now that he is dead, why should I fast?  Shall I be able to bring him back any more?  I shall go to him rather: but he shall not return to me.” 2 Sam. 12: 22, 23

Our friend’s homecoming is a celebration because she lived her life so near to the heart of God and someday we will join her in heaven. To her the victory verses so aptly apply:

“For this corruptible must put on incorruption; and this mortal must put on immortality.  And when this mortal hath put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting? ...thanks be to God, who hath given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 15: 53-55, 57