Rejoicing in Death - Episode 183

<p>Today, I will read you an article by a journalist, who was present at the memorial service for my husband. Of all title choices this was his, “Jubel im Tod”, in English, “Rejoicing in Death”. I hadn’t looked at this for at least twenty years, and the title surprised me. In the eyes of the world, death is the permanent end of life. Yet often followers of Jesus, forgetthe emphasis on “eternal life” that Jesus spoke of. In John Chapter 14, the disciples were troubled because he told them, that He will leaving soon. They had no idea that he was speaking of his death when he said, “I will prepare aplace for you”. Over and over, Jesus talked about heaven; teaching them to pray to the Father in heaven, he told his followers to rejoice when persecuted, because great is your reward in heaven. He urged them to store up treasures in heaven, rather than earthly wealth.</p><p>Just a quick review of the words of Jesus, who said of Himself, “I Am the Life”, should be enough to give us understanding and confidence, about the purpose of life. Sadly though, the subject of death is not a popular sermon title. Believers want to hear about the abundant life, that comes from their faith, rather than what the scriptures actually teach. </p><p>This is what I wrote, six years after Thomas’ death,for the end of my book ...</p><p></p><p></p>