Beginning of BlessednessSpeaker: Dr. D.G.S. Dhinakaran Gist: We can boldly reiterate that death is gain, when we die to this world and sinful habits and live for righteousness. Death is not the end of life; it is a beginning of blessedness. Our gracious Lord Jesus Christ came down to this earth for this purpose. This is the committed avowal of St.Paul, who in the early days was breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He was going to Damascus with the calculated intention of bringing men or women, 'of the way' bound to Jerusalem. It was on his way to Damascus that, suddenly, a light shone around him from heaven. He fell to the ground; a heavenly voice sounded from the light, 'Saul, Saul why are you persecuting Me?' The mystified Saul asked, 'Who are you, Lord?' The Lord said, "I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting; it is hard for you to kick against the goads." Saul, trembling and astonished, said, 'Lord, what do You want me to do?' From that day his ego and self-will were shattered; God had chosen him as a fighter for Christ's gospel.
Many years back, there was a dacoit, in North India. In the night, he would plunder money and jewels, killing many people; he would hand over the loot to his wife, who happily accepted them. Then there would be an interregnum. When for a few days, he would lose himself in booze (drinks). Becoming sober, he would again engage himself in his murderous and plundering 'profession'. His wife was also quite happy with his trade. One evening he went for a stroll, in his sober mood. On the way, he saw a man of God preaching the Gospel quoting loudly the consoling words of Jesus, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
The desperado approached the Preacher and asked, "Sir, I am a murderer and marauder; can I secure peace?" The Godly man replied, "If you pray along with me and ask God for it, He will definitely give you peace." As the 'bad man' kept on praying, the man's heart was cleft into pieces. He lamented and cried, 'Alas! How many people did I kill, without any reason. O. Lord, forgive me.' A Divine peace, which the world cannot give, overwhelmed
him. He returned home filled with cheer, as a new man. For the first time, he slept peacefully, without taking any liquor.
Days passed. He did not set out on his 'profession'. His wife watching this uncommon phenomenon, asked him with concern, "Why have not you gone on your regular work?" He explained, "I do not know what to do; I have no mind at all to touch the knife; the very thought of robbery has left me; my mind has changed."
After Jesus Christ, our Lord began to dwell in his heart, though he was alive in this world, he was dead to his ways, murdering, plundering, evil sinful habits, in which he was wallowing like fish in the waters. Has not the incomparable love of Jesus Christ transformed him utterly.
God's love is as strong as death' (Song 8:6). That is why St. Paul claims, "to me to is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).
We too can boldly reiterate this and say, "O Lord, Christ, You are my life; to die is gain", when we die to this world and sinful habits and live for righteousness. To such people, death is not the end of life; it is a beginning of blessedness. Our gracious Lord Jesus Christ came down to this earth for this purpose.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father,
I give You the sacrifice of thanksgiving because You have written my name in the 'book of life' in heaven. Grant me the grace to be steadfast in faith and hope even when I am despised and forsaken by others. Help me to rejoice in You always and be in firm hope that You will take me to be with You in heaven forever. I give You all the glory, honour and praise. I ask all this in the matchless name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen. |