Your Death-Day Is Better Than Your Birthday Series

3For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

Paul and Solomon are saying the same thing based on a future hope of resurrection:

If I had it my way, I’d rather be out of this life and start my new one in eternity with God. I’d rather be with God than hanging around with you. I would rather be beyond this world of tears, fears, and suffering and enjoying the presence of Jesus Christ. Simply put the best is yet to come, after your death day, instead of the painful, stress-filled life you live after your birthday. What connects your birthday to your death day? The hope of resurrection. If you have personal faith in Christ, you can make that type of declaration. You can live with that type of hope.

This proverb sounds like it fits better in the book of Proverbs than Ecclesiastes. It comes kicking and screaming to the top of the list offering unusual comparisons: a good name lasts; fine perfume is temporary; our birthday, which starts our life, is temporary, and our death-day, which begins our eternity, is forever.

What a contrast in events. One has shouts of “Happy Birthday,” singing, gifts, cake and candles, and lots of laughter. The flip side of the equation is filled with sorrow, a funeral procession, and mourning loved ones. How can one’s death-day be better than their birthday? Let me suggest three ways:

1. Your death-day is better than your birthday because of release.

As Solomon has said, God has hot-wired our brains so we are interested in living forever. Today you will make 100’s of choices about your life - what to wear, how to act, where to eat. In eternity we are given only two options - Heaven or hell.

Never forget friend, your destiny is eternity and your home is Heaven. Psalm 119:19, reminds us that, “I am just here on earth for just a little while.” (TEV)

Built into each person is a longing for Heaven and release from this life. Paul reminds us in Romans 8 of the desire for release:

…creation groans for release (vs. 22)

…we groan for release (vs. 23)

…the Spirit groans (vs. 26)

On a deathbed or in a wheel chair in a retirement community, the Christian longs for the end. The end is really the beginning and it offers release. Release from temptation. Release from a body of pain. Release from mental illness. Let go body. That spirit and soul is longing for the Creator. A new home and a new body await the child of God. Let go family. Your loved one is ready for release. Nothing on this planet can thwart or block man’s desire for release.

The reason our death-day is better than our birthday is because of RELEASE.