But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead; he will surely take me to himself.

Psalm 49:15 NIV

He was lying in a transport bed, being wheeled from his oft-visited hospital room to hospice. The long battle with cancer was ending. He would die in a few hours, too few for those who had loved him. Dying, but undefeated, he said to all around him — family, friends, nursing staff old and new — “I’m going to meet Jesus!”

I want to live and die like that — confident in the power and love of the One who gave His life here on earth so that I could know with certainty that I would join Him for eternity. I, too, want the name of Jesus to be on my lips and His joyful Spirit in my heart, able to invite a few who can hear me to join me in the journey — a journey that includes living and dying in the hands of Jesus.

Judith Christian
St. Louis, MO

O Lord, increase my faith so that, in life and death, I can see, love, and follow You. Amen.

Reflect: Sing the hymn, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” Visit a nursing home and spread Jesus’ love.

Read: Psalm 48 and John 11:17-27