Kevin DeYoung, at the Gospel Coalition, writes on the weighty responsibility of the minister to prepare his people — not just to live, but to die well.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
“The gospel minister must help his people live well. But more importantly, he must prepare his people to die well. Those of us who are young and healthy can scarcely imagine what comfort the gospel of Jesus Christ provides for dear saints in their dying days.
John Newton tells a story of visiting a young woman who died too soon from “a lingering consumption.” She was wise, but plain. She could read her Bible, but had read little else. Newton supposes she never traveled more than twelve miles from home. A few days before her death, Newton prayed with her and “thanked the Lord that he gave her now to see that she had not followed cunningly-devised fables.” At this last remark the woman repeated Newton’s words and said, “No, not cunningly-devised fables; these are realities indeed.” Then she fixed her eyes steadfastly upon her pastor and reminded him of his weighty vocation.
“Sir, you are highly favoured in being called to preach the gospel. I have often heard you with pleasure; but give me leave to tell you, that I now see all you have said, or can say, is comparatively but little. Nor, till you come into my situation, and have death and eternity in full view, will it be possible for you to conceive the vast weight and importance of the truths you declare. Oh! Sir, it is a serious thing to die; no words can express what is needful to support the soul in the solemnity of a dying hour.”
Fellow preachers, our people are asking for living bread tomorrow. Do not give them a self-help stone. Our people may not know the weight of which we speak until they come to their end. And at that moment they will be infinitely glad they received ballast instead of blather.”
Thanks for sharing this post from Pastor DeYoung’s blog, Christina. The minister MUST have eternity stamped to his eyelids, else he will not die daily to self, and thus the echo of eternity will not resound in his life or from his preaching. If Christ is not our desire, how can we rejoice in the truth that every one of us has an appointment with death, and after that the judgment?
Blessings to you, dear sister.
Amen, Pastor Jon.
May God raise up ministers who resolve to know nothing except Christ crucified. May the Lord continue to bless you, your family, and your church with the grace to take up your cross.
Matthew 16:24, “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
You are a blessing to the body, and you are very much in my prayers.
Your sister,
Christina
This is a very interesting post Christina. For me it is also timely as my mother is 85 and in an assisted living home. She knows her days are numbered and she has no pastor to encourage her. It’s been years since she was in church at all. I find myself being too cavalier sometimes with regards to her passing – Although she proclaims faith in Christ I feel she is ill prepared for this day.
Thank you for sharing this as often times a believing family member is who the Lord uses in those final days.
Blessings my dear sister!
Hey Diane,
Your right…..many times the Lord uses family members to share….85 isn’t too young for the Gospel….and this is what she desperately needs. May I suggest the book “Roght with god” by John Blanchard….itsd a great little book and you can spend some time sitting with you mom and reading it to her and discussing! Another great liitle book is by CJ Mahanet called “Christ our Mediator”….. I hope this is helpful….may God bless your mom! Shaan
Sorry…its “Right with God” by John Blanchard….I guess I got fat fingers tonight!
Diane,
You can be sure that I will be praying for you and your mom. May God prepare her heart and give you grace.
You are also absolutely right about God using the believing family member in those final days. My grandmother preached the gospel to my father when he was on his death bed. He repented, and a couple of days later he succumbed to cancer. I am so thankful my little bold grandmother didn’t back down when everyone told her to “just let him rest.” She knew eternity was at stake for my father….
Praying for you.
Many Blessings.
I didn’t realize this about your father Christina. I’m so sorry to hear about your loss as he must have been young. I praise God for your godly grandmother and her persistence!
Great Post Christina….thanks so much! This is a good reminder and encouragement. What else have we to say to dying people ecept Christ and im crucified? What else have we to say except Christ…God’s living Word! Shaan
Amen, Shaan. We have nothing to offer anyone apart from a crucified Christ.
Blessings to you!
Shaan! I’ve edited my comment with the correct spelling of your name! Forgive me!!!