Precious Is the Death of a Saint

by Mike Johnson
via Seeking Things Above

Psalm 116:15 informs us, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” What does this mean? People think of death in many different ways. A loved one’s death is one of the greatest agonies people typically face in their lives. We think of losing a loved one in terms of heartache, tears, sorrow, and pain. Yet this passage says the death of a saint is precious in the sight of the Lord! This verse looks at death from God’s perspective. God delights when people become Christians—there is rejoicing in heaven; He delights in our progress and finally sees our death as coming home to Him. To us, death is a departure; to God, a saint’s death is an arrival.

Consider a statement Paul made in his letter to the Philippians 1:21-23. “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.” At this time, Paul was in a Roman prison expecting to be released. He said that if he lived, he could continue helping the Philippians. However, if he died, he would be able to depart and be with Christ, which, he says, would be far better than life upon the earth.

When faithful Christians die, they can look at God as welcoming them to their new home. Serving God faithfully matters. One day we will pass from this life, and God will welcome us home. Precious is the death of a saint.