Why the righteous perish

A year ago at this time, I was standing vigil over my dad in his final days and hours here on earth.  It was a day I had been prepared for, for the previous ten years, actually. 

My dad’s heart was weak, he had had multiple bypasses and near heart-attacks.  He also had diabetes and other health problems. 

It’s almost miraculous to me that he lived as long as he did.

What I didn’t expect is that I would be there when he died.  Living in Japan, I had always expected that I’d get a call one day saying that my dad had passed on.

But in God’s timing and provision, I got to be there in his last days.  It don’t know that it made things any less painful.  In some ways, it made things more painful.  But I’m glad I was there.

Sometimes people wonder why we have to die.  Why we can’t just live forever here on earth.  But here, God provides the answer. 

He said,

The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. 

Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.  (Isaiah 57:1-2)

The truth is, this world is dying.  It’s been corrupted by sin.  Not only do we see things like earthquakes or other natural disasters, we also see disease, and people who have been corrupted and broken by sin. 

In this state, do we really want to live forever?  I don’t.

I certainly didn’t want to see my dad live forever in the state he was living.  I’m glad he was taken away. 

Not that I don’t miss him.  I do.  But he’s in a much better place now. 

His body that was broken down and dying, will be renewed.  And for now, he has peace.  He has rest. 

More, he’s face to face with our Savior right now.  In some ways, I really envy him.

Don’t get me wrong.  I’m not in a hurry to leave this planet.  But there are many things I won’t miss either.  And in God’s timing, whenever it is, I’ll be ready to go. 

I liked what someone said about what they wanted written on their tombstone.  I wouldn’t mind it being written on mine.

“Don’t mourn for me.  Bruce is not here.”

Death truly has no sting for those who put their faith in God.

How about you?  Are you ready?