Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

January 30
Thursday


PRECIOUS IN
GOD'S EYES

READ:
Psalm 116
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Precious in the sight of
the LORD is the death
of His saints.
__Psalm 116:15
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In response to the news that a mutual friend of ours had died, a wise brother who knew the Lord sent me these words, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints" (Ps. 116:15). Our friend's vibrant faith in Jesus Christ was the dominant characteristic of his life, and we knew he was home with God in heaven. His family had that assurance as well, but I had been focused only on their sorrow. And it's appropriate to consider others during their grief and loss.

But the verse from Psalms turned my thoughts to how the Lord saw the passing of our friend. Something "precious" is something of great value. Yet, there is a larger meaning here. There is something in the death of a saint that transcends our grief over their absence.

"Precious (important and no light matter)" (The Amplified Bible). Another paraphrase says, "His loved ones are very precious to him and he does not lightly let them die" (The Living Bible). God is not flippant toward death. The marvel of His grace and power is that, as believers, our loss of life on earth also brings great gain.

Today we have only a glimpse. one day we'll understand it in the fullness of His light. __ David McCasland

`````````````````````````So when my last breath``````````````````````
```````````````````````Shall rend the veil in twain`````````````````````
````````````````````By death I shall escape from death``````````````````
`````````````````And life eternal gain. __david McCasland``````````````
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Faith builds a bridge across the gulf of death.

************************Today's Bible Reading __ Psalm 116*****************************

1 I love the LORD, because
He has heard my voice and
my supplications. 2 Because
He has inclined His ear to
me, therefore I will call upon
Him as long as I live.

3 The pains of death
surrounded me, and the
pangs of Sheol laid hold of
me; I found trouble and
sorrow. 4 Then I called upon
the name of the LORD: "O
LORD, I implore You, deliver
my soul!"

5 Gracious is the LORD, and
righteous; yes, our God is
merciful. 6 The LORD
preserves the simple; I was
brought low, and He saved
me. 7 Return to your rest, O
my soul, for the LORD has
dealt bountifully with you.

6 For You have delivered
my soul frm death, my eyes
from tears, and my feet from
falling....

12 What shall I render to the
LORD for all His benefits
toward me? 13 I will take up
the cup of salvation, and call
uon the name of the
LORD....

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
loosed my bonds. 17 I will
offer to You the sacrifice of
thanksgiving, and will call
upon the name of the LORD.

18 I will pay my vows to the
LORD now in the presence of
all His people, 19 in the
courts of the LORD's house,
in the midst of you, O
Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Having been delivered from the jaws of death (v.3), the psalmist
thanks God for answering his cries for help (vv.1-2,4:8). Grateful for
the Lord's rescue, he asked: "What shall I render to the LORD for all
His benefits toward me?" (v.12). In response, he recommits himself
to obeying and serving the Lord (vv.9,13-19).