Isaiah 57:1

"The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come."

Have you known a Godly & Christlike person that was taken in death at a rather young age, & wondered about it? My very best friend was one of the Godliest men I've ever known, who loved & served the Lord all his Christian life. He died doing that very thing at a youth event at his church, of a heart attack at 42. My wife's very good friend, & a Godly pastor who I came to love & respect greatly, died on Christmas Day, 2003 at 40. I am sure all of you could multiply the examples exponentially. I must admit, the thought as to "why" did cross my mind, yet I must also honestly say, though I am far from a mature spiritual giant, I have been walking with the blessed Lord long enough to know His reasons are always best though I rarely see the "whys" & "wherefores" at the time.
As I read this verse recently, I wondered if maybe this explains at least part of the "why." I know it is specifically directled to Israel & therefore is not a direct answer to why Godly believers die young today. Yet it is interesting to me, & at least a possibility. But this also raises another question: Why NOT me? I am thankful I still have time to serve my loving Savior & also time to repent of the myriad sins & blunders I make every millisecond as well! Yet I must say that I wonder more at why I am left to keep serving my Savior while much more Christlike & gifted brothers & sisters are taken all around.
Maybe part of the answer is also found in the death of Robert Murray McCheyne's young brother. Dear, Godly pastor McCheyne, who died at 29 himself in 1843, was saved at age 16 due in part to the influence his own brother's death played in his life, helping him realize the brevity of life & his need to have the Savior as his own. Maybe the Lord can use the death of Godly people to open the eyes of the rest of us so we can draw closer to our wonderful Lord & get the correct perspective on life. Who knows, but God Himself? I do know that He is absolute Love & only does what is ultimately best in all situations whether I understand it or not. I appreciate all of your patience in reading this! I look forward to your thoughtful responses. My blog readers are the best! God Bless you all.

Psalm 116:15

Precious in the sight of the LORD
Is the death of His saints. (NKJV)

I have wondered just what this means that the death of His saints is precious to the Lord? I know the Lord cares about everything in our lives, but a thought recently came to me about this that I would like some feedback on from the fine folks that drop in to this blog from time to time. Do you think it is possible that this may mean, at least in part, that it is especially precious to Him when each of His sons & daughters comes Home to Heaven with Him? Certainly there is far more than this, but do you think this could at least be a part of what this precious promise means?
AND, on top of that, if this is true, then for us to persevere in faithfulness to the end of our lives & to have an abundant entrance into His Kingdom & presence (2 Pe.1:10-11) brings even more joy to HIS holy heart?? So, our faithfulness being rewarded at the Bema seat of Christ not only brings joy to US, but also to HIM?? Just a thought, & I am looking forward to your thoughts as well!! May the Lord bless you all!