I have for a long time been fascinated with the Gospel accounts of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, just hours prior to the trial and crucifixion. Jesus expresses a tremendous amount of "negative" emotion. He is fearful, anxious, and is momentarily searching for a way out. Yet, in the end, he finds/receives monumental strength expressed in his words, "Not my will, but yours, be done." As the account of the trial and crucifixion unfolds, we see that those were not just words, but a declaration of tremendous resolve. Jesus died in the garden.
Though on a lesser scale, I see a similar principle at work in Hospice patients. Many of the folks with whom I work, have a deep faith. They handle death, even their own, with poise and class. I think it has something to do with having died already. Physical death is only a real problem if you have something at stake, something in this life of which you cannot let go. Paul said, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." It is a privilege to be around people who truly get that!
Life is easier, more fulfilling, more meaningful, when you're dead. Talk about a change of perspective!
Galatians 2:20--I was put to death on the cross with Christ, and I do not live anymore- it is Christ who lives in me. I still live in my body, but I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself to save me.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Dying before you die
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3 comments:
Great post!
Jennifer
Jason,
Several years ago I sat by the bedside of my dearest friend as she fought her battle with breast cancer, but lost the battle at 39 years of age. I knew that she was gone long before the last breath left her and that she was at peace. She requested that the song, "Because He Lives," be sung at her funeral; it was a long time before I could sing the last verse of that song without tears rolling down my cheeks. She was a very brave person, but she "truly got it" and I know she's in heaven; I'll see her again someday. Sharon Gampp
The third verse of "Because He Lives" is very powerful if you are personally involved with someone who is dying. Recently, I was in a group singing that song. I was struck by the lyrics, "fighting life's final battle with pain" and "when death gives way to victory". I ran a copy of it and gave it to a patient.
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