David’s Last Words

Now these are the last words of David:

The oracle of David, the son of Jesse,
    the oracle of the man who was raised on high,
the anointed of the God of Jacob,
    the sweet psalmist of Israel:

“The Spirit of the Lord speaks by me;
    His word is on my tongue.

 The God of Israel has spoken;
    the Rock of Israel has said to me:
When one rules justly over men,
    ruling in the fear of God,

 he dawns on them like the morning light,
    like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning,
    like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.”

“For does not my house stand so with God?
    For He has made with me an everlasting covenant,
    ordered in all things and secure.
For will He not cause to prosper
    all my help and my desire?

But worthless men are all like thorns that are thrown away,
    for they cannot be taken with the hand;

but the man who touches them
    arms himself with iron and the shaft of a spear,
    and they are utterly consumed with fire.” 2 Samuel 23:1-7

And the Psalmist was gone. Obviously Samuel was there to record and witness the event of David’s passing. I am reminded of this scripture also in another Psalm of David in 116:15…

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.

While we feel loss and grief (and we learn to associate with the heart of God) we have His assurances of life everlasting through the sacrifice (blood) of Jesus Christ. This truly is the blessed hope that is beyond human understanding. Only by the Holy Spirit do we truly have healing for our souls when we have to experience the loss of one so dear to us.

How do you deal with the aspect of physical death? Have you experienced it first hand? (like many with NDE’s)? Or second hand with a close family member? Or with a dear friend? Dealing with the fear of death is one of the largest issues human’s have to face. This reminds me of another scripture – and a quote from Jesus.

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28

We must allow the Holy Spirit to enlighten us about what Jesus has provided for us, here on earth as well as our permanent home in heaven. It’s only by His revelation, Presence, and spiritual comfort that the ‘sting of death’ is diminished. His Presence covering us and speaking to us in those difficult times … become part of our “faith” and ‘pearls’ held deeply within our hearts and souls. It is through His divinely implanted love within us that we are healed and made whole.

What is exciting to me and an extreme comfort is the sure knowledge I will see my loved ones again … in heaven. Together forever, without pain or sorrow, in His Presence. Have you experienced that ‘Truth’ beyond just the words or concept? That is what the Holy Spirit can give you.

Writing this devotional immediately brings me memories of my grandpa who was a huge spiritual inspiration and example to me at a very young age. I often would hear my grandpa singing this song to Himself when no one was around (so he thought – even though I was listening from another room).

1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
   Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
   Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
   Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

• Refrain:
  This is my story, this is my song,
  Praising my Savior all the day long;
  This is my story, this is my song,
  Praising my Savior all the day long.

1. Perfect submission, perfect delight,
   Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
   Angels, descending, bring from above
   Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
2. Perfect submission, all is at rest,
   I in my Savior am happy and blest,
   Watching and waiting, looking above,
   Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Selah! (be still and ponder these things)

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you with the issue of death.