Precious in the Sight of the Lord
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15
Over the years, I have heard the word “precious” used in several different ways. Examples would be: the word as applied to a loving spouse, a little baby, a “precious” stone such as a diamond, or even an endearing act of kindness or favor bestowed upon someone. But God’s word tells us that one of the things that touches the heart of God the most is, “…the death of his godly ones.”
It is true the Bible says the one thing that causes the angels in heaven to rejoice is when someone on this earth gives his or her heart and life to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. But God also says in His Word, that a “preciousness” strikes the cords of His heart when one of His beloved comes home to meet Him through death; the way having been made via Jesus’ death and resurrection (See John 14:1-6, Romans 8:11, and 2 Corinthians 5:1).
The Bible says “saints” are Christians; in-other words, those who have been set apart for sacred use in-order-to serve the Living Savior wherever the Spirit plants them at any given time according to the will of God for their lives. And when their life on earth is done, at the time of the believer’s homegoing, whether it be quietly in their sleep or with much time and difficulty, the Bible says their death is precious to God.
In His most recent book entitled, Where I Am, taken from John 14:3, Billy Graham writes, “When I am asked, ‘Where is Heaven?’ I simply answer: Heaven is where Jesus is…What about you? Do you know where you will be when you step into eternity?” (page 159).
Thank you, Lord, for your promise of being with us when we die in the Lord, and for the literal place your precious word calls, “Heaven.”
Pastor Louie