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Death and Life

March 22, 2025

This morning, I was running A/V for a funeral at our church. As we do at funerals, I contemplated the uncomfortable presence of Death. 

Almost always, He is unwelcome; bringing with Him a solemn reminder that we are truly not in control. 

He cannot be defeated or stopped . . . except for that one time 2,000 years ago. That one loss gives us a glimmer of hope and allows those of us in Christ not to sorrow as others sorrow. 

Eternal Perspective

I follow a pastor named Tim Challies on social media. He often posts an “A La Carte” with links to various articles and writings about spiritual matters. Here is the latest one. 

Two links caught my attention, articles very apropos to today’s musings.

We Are Not Nùmenóreans: An excellent article on the correct view of death related to the view of people in the Lord of the Rings.

“We seek what we can’t have. That’s always been our way, hasn’t it? Whatever is denied to us is dearest to us….We are the ones, says the writer of Hebrews, who ‘through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery(‘ Heb. 2:15). At the epicenter of every human heart is the desperate plea for immortality. We are utterly certain that avoiding death would solve everything.”

Life Has Not Been Easy:  Advice on how to avoid living a negative life consumed with disappointment.

“There is something satisfying about complaining, isn’t there? Even though we know it’s sinful, we still find a sick satisfaction in it. For some reason, airing our grievances seems to be a form of therapy. It does not take much to reveal the discontentment that lurks just beneath the surface of our lives.”

You may remember that Mr. Challies’ only son died unexpectedly while at college. He is an expert on responding to death biblically. You can read more about the trying of his faith in his book, Seasons of Sorrow.

Truly Living

All things end. Well, not ALL things. God, His Word, and our souls will all touch eternity.

One of my favorite quotes is: “Every man dies, but not every man really lives.”

To really live and not simply exist, we must grapple with the paradox that life can only be found in death. 

Death to self
to sin
to love of this present world
to self-preservation
to our natural way of understanding
to all things
(save the Word of God and the Gospel)
— all dead and buried.

Only then are we able to live life more abundantly. 

Mr. David McClain, Head of School at FCS, shares insights relating to Christian education, biblical worldview, building Christian character, and current events. Read the Weekly Words archives here.