Deuteronomy 31:14
‘Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, the time for you to die is near; call Joshua, and present yourselves at the tent of meeting, that I may commission him.” So Moses and Joshua went and presented themselves at the tent of meeting.’
Moses is at the end. It all seems very low key. I like that. Our culture increases the drama. Moses doesn’t have a list to attend to. God says it’s time and he says ok.
Paul is at the end of his life when he says this in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Paul knows he has done his best. He knows the Lord is saying “Well done, good and faithful servant.” That’s all that’s needed. The adulation of the masses would be embarrassing.
Jesus shunned every opportunity for public praise (except the triumphal entry). He didn’t want it and didn’t need it. His gaze went heavenward.
Our culture wants the memorial. That’s ok and appropriate. It’s more for those who remain to share their appreciation and admiration. To the deceased, they are in a better place. If that one is a christian, he/she’s been walking with Christ. The life has been a side by side journey. We encounter difficulty, we go through it with the Lord’s strength, peace and guidance. The longer the walk with Christ, the stronger the relationship.
Our focus is on Him. He is an audience of one. When it’s time to cross over, our focus will still be on Him. We are barely aware of the attention of others. It’s not needed.
Psalm 116:15 has a verse that seems odd, “Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His godly ones.” How can someone’s passing be precious? God sees it differently. It’s a homecoming to the one that’s been walking with Him. It’s another journey on a different day.
Lord, thanks for Your perspective on our end here on earth. Thanks for the daily walk with You and the peace of Your presence. When that day comes it will be equally peaceful. Help us to say with Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”