Sermon Precious!
Thesis: God looks at the death of a saint as precious and as beautiful as a Masterpiece of Art – Yes, God looks at the death of a saint as precious something foreign to most people’s eyes!
Scripture text: Psalm 116:1-19:
1 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
2 Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The cords of death entangled me,
the anguish of the grave came upon me;
I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
4 Then I called on the name of the LORD:
“O LORD, save me!”
5 The LORD is gracious and righteous;
our God is full of compassion.
6 The LORD protects the simplehearted;
when I was in great need, he saved me.
7 Be at rest once more, O my soul,
for the LORD has been good to you.
8 For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,
9 that I may walk before the LORD
in the land of the living.
10 I believed; therefore I said,
“I am greatly afflicted.”
11 And in my dismay I said,
“All men are liars.”
12 How can I repay the LORD
for all his goodness to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the LORD.
14 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the LORD
is the death of his saints.
16 O LORD, truly I am your servant.
I am your servant, the son of your maidservant;
you have freed me from my chains.
17 I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
and call on the name of the LORD.
18 I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the LORD—
in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the LORD.
The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), Ps 116:1–19.
Some thoughts from our passage today in honor and in the memory of Lori!
Introduction:
Our Psalm 116:15 says something unusual and may even catch you off guard today “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”
In our Psalm we read about how loving God is – He hears our cry for help, we learn how compassionate he is, how faithful, how he is there to save us even as we are tangled in the cords of death, sorrow, and trouble. If we call, he hears us and will respond to us! Jesus' presence is here today to comfort you to encourage you and to give you peace in the storm.
Did you notice that phrase in the Psalm? The Psalmist uses the word precious in connection with the word death. Most people I know would not associate these two things together!
Precious means (of an object, substance, or resource) of great value; not to be wasted or treated carelessly. Like "precious works of art" Our Psalmist says the death of a saint is like a precious work of art to the Lord – I know most people struggle – they ache in their souls when someone they love dies – I have felt this ache and most you have too – I guess I never associated the word “precious = death” before – Some people I know do not look forward to dying because it means transitioning from this life to eternity and with that separation comes separation from loved ones – from family, spouses, children and even grandchildren.
But in Scripture right here in this Psalm it says God looks at the death of a saint as precious as something which holds great value and beauty! It is like a gorgeous work of art – a masterpiece painted and created by the individual dying and of the Creator of the universe being there with them as they enter Heaven. The Creator looks at the artwork of the life of the Saint and says now that is “Precious!”. It’s a personal moment between the saint and their Savior as they meet on the other side of Eternity!
Story - years ago, I went to pray for a person who was dying of Cancer. We had become good friends over the years – she told me this as we prayed, and I concluded my prayer – I have been living my whole life for this very moment! Now that sounded precious to me – she had painted a masterpiece with her life and now it was the time for the unveiling. While to experience the beauty and the majesty of death like this is rare – to understand that transitioning from this life to Heaven unveils a masterpiece – a mona Lisa, a Last Supper to the Creator- to me it’s precious. Our lives are to be precious in the sight of God.
So, let’s ask ourselves the glowing question today – by the way I am answering this question for myself today – The glowing question is, “Why does God look at the death of a saint as precious?” I am glad you are thinking about this question too.
Why?
1. Because God knows we will no longer face suffering:
a. Suffering is all around us in this world! Sadly, it comes with a fallen world and a world filled with uncertainty and sin! Lori suffered – most people have experienced suffering who are here today!
i. For example: I look at all the suffering from the hurricanes Helene and Milton throughout the south – my heart aches for them – many people died and their families are grieving from the loss of their loved ones – many people lost their homes and belongings and I hear the vast majority don’t have flood insurance – many people have no power and or drinking water – not to mention food.
1. This world is filled with great suffering – would you agree?
ii. Another example: The suffering of the people of Ukraine over the long war, the suffering in Israel and its surrounding Arab nations because of war and terror– the truth is no one is immune to suffering! No One!
1. We somehow think we should be, but we are not! Suffering -trouble and sorrow fill this fallen world.
iii. I know God gets the bad wrap for all the suffering in this world, but God initially set this world up to run on love, peace, joy, goodness, mercy, grace and to be like paradise - but Adam and Eve decided to listen to the serpent (The Devil) and sin entered this beautifully created world.
1. With sin came the atrocities of evil! See Genesis chapters 1-3
2. With sin came suffering and sorrow!
3. Note it did not come from God but from sin and evil.
iv. Throughout the Bible we are told that this earth is not our home – If you are a believer – Heaven – Eternity is our eternal home! This moment in time is a transition place – a blink of an eye – a mere season of eternal life – a vapor.
1. Jesus and the Bible made it clear that this place is not our home:
a. "They (Christians) are not of the world, even as I am not of the world" Jesus said (John 17:16).
i. This life is a transitional life.
ii. Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 1:2 as, "Meaningless! Meaningless! says the teacher. Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." The Message Bible renders it, "Smoke, nothing but smoke. There is nothing to anything—it's all smoke."
1. But he ends his book pointing everything to the Lord as a key to life.
iii. In the New Testament, James 4:14 describes human life similarly: "For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."
b. Jesus also stated in John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
i. In the world there is trouble and with that trouble comes suffering! I wish it was different but my experience of being a pastor over 40 years tells me suffering comes to all in this world.
2. But there is a promise in the Bible: “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:17
a. The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984)
v. In the act of precious death, we transition to a better world – a good world – a world governed by love – in this new world suffering ceases to exist – That place is called Heaven or Paradise, and the Bible teaches us that there will be no more suffering in this place!
1. Let me say it again – no more suffering!
a. Revelation 21:3-4 states, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
b. The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), Re 21:3–4.
i. Yes, physical death with Jesus is the end of our suffering – forever!
ii. Would you not want that for Lori?
vi. But sadly, those who refuse to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior there suffering will get eternally worse! Did you hear that – by the way don’t get mad at me I did not write this or say this “Jesus did!”
1. Jesus tells the story of Lazarus and the Rich man to make this point: In Mark 16:19-31: The Rich Man and Lazarus:
a. 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
i. By the way Jesus rises from the dead but many still do not listen!
2. Because God knows there will be no more sorrow!
a. We face sorrow at times of death, in times of sickness, even when we make big mistakes and of course when we sin.
i. John 14:1 Jesus states “Let not your hearts be troubled!”
1. Sorrow – grief comes in waves in this life!
ii. When we leave this earth through physical death, we leave a world filled with sorrow and woes and the fears of life.
1. Revelation 21:4 “No more sorrow” and in Isaiah 35:10 tells us when we depart this world, we enter into a place filled with joy!
a. It means no weeping no crying – wow could you imagine a place like this?
iii. Heaven is filled with joy – gladness – singing and praise. Sounds like a place I want to spend eternity!
1. It sounds like a happy place!
3. Because God knows there is no more sickness!
a. We all at some point will face and experience sickness. It could be the common cold, the flu, or something more serious like heart disease, or cancer.
i. Cancer and sickness is all around us – we just don’t take note of it until we face it ourselves or through a loved one.
1. But it is happening to someone every day!
ii. The truth is sickness comes with death and dying it’s a result of the curse of sin in this world brought to life by Adam and Eve – Yes, we will all watch our bodies deteriorate and break down over time.
1. Illustration: The False prophet from the 60” s Chuck Smith talked about – said he found the fountain of life and if you send him money you will never die! But he grew old and died himself.
iii. The Bible states in Ecclesiastes that we are all appointed to die at some point. The ratio of death to individuals is 1 to 1 – we all die at some point.
1. Sadly, some sooner than later! This to me is a mystery why some sooner than later!
b. In Revelation in 21:4 we are told that there shall be no more death in Heaven. Once we face death here, we face it no more!
i. Ponder that thought for a moment – don’t let that thought pass you bye.
1. In Corinthians 15:54-57 it states in verse 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
a. Laboring or serving the Lord brings great rewards in heaven – it does – no really!
ii. The truth is death is no longer victorious – when we find Jesus as our Lord and Savior – In Jesus the sting of death is done away with – death no longer has the last say so over us – we will not perish but experience everlasting life.
1. So, death is precious in the sight of the Lord when we die in serving Jesus and believing on Him!
iii. Please hear this – In Heaven - Sickness is done away with – the pain associated with it is done away with!
4. Because we will be in direct connection and relationship with the Lord. No more separation between us and God!
a. When we die in Christ Jesus – he promises to meet us at the crossing over point of this life!
i. Listen to what Jesus says in John 14:3 “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
1. It’s a promise from Jesus to you and I. he will meet us when we crossover from here to eternity!
b. This is why the physical death of a saint is precious to the Lord! We meet face to face – in glory with Jesus!
c. Being in Heaven means being with God!
i. Paul says, “For now we see only reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see him face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (1 Cor. 13:12).
1. Everything will make sense in Heaven – everything does not always make sense here but in Heaven it will!
ii. Don Piper says it’s a sacred reunion – “You and God are face to face. Can you imagine that encounter for the first time?”
5. Because God knows that our death is not the end of our life, or connection with loved ones in the Lord. Christians will be united once again in Heaven at their death with past loved ones who died in Christ!
a. Don Piper wrote a book about his death experience called “90 minutes in Heaven” and then a sequel called “People I met at the Gates of Heaven.”– He was a pastor who was killed in a car accident on his way home from a pastor’s seminar. He was dead for 90 minutes and suddenly came back to life in the wreckage of the car which had been crushed by a large truck.
i. Piper states, “People in heaven certainly rejoice when they know any of us are coming. Occasionally, I am asked if a loved one in heaven misses us on earth. Here’s my answer: They don’t miss us. They expect us!”
1. He adds, “Jesus tells us in Luke 15:7 that heaven rejoices every time someone here makes a reservation to go there. When we profess Christ as Savior, our names are recorded in the Lambs book of Life, according to Revelation 21:23 God’s reservation list. The Bible urges believers to “rejoice”, that our names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).
ii. Piper states, “For them, time doesn’t pass. Although decades may lapse here on earth after we’re temporarily separated from them, we shall join them “in the twinkling of an eye” (I Cor. 15:52). Wouldn’t it be surprising otherwise? Moses and Elijah, who had long since departed this earth, were recognized at the transfiguration (Matt. 17:3-4). King David believed that he would see his son after his baby died, even saying, “I will go to him” (2 Samuel 12:23). I think of this phrase “We shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). After His resurrection, Jesus showed Himself to His disciples and they recognized Him”
1. Lori reunited with her parents – I am sure it was a great homecoming for her!
2. But listen closely - Yes, if you are a believer in Jesus – you will see Lori again – when she entered Heaven, she met Jesus and her mom and dad again – they rejoiced at the homecoming and they will rejoice when you come too – but be clear about this you too need a relationship with Jesus Christ. You need to accept him as your Lord and Savior.
a. Another Question today: “Are you ready to die?”
i. Have you accepted Jesus – repented of your sins and believed?
b. John 3:16-21: “16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”
3. You need Jesus to get into Heaven – there is no other way! I challenge you today to embrace Jesus and discover that death is precious in his sight!
