We recently studied Isaiah 40.
It starts: “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem…” (v.1-2a)
Among the many other thoughts that these verses stimulate, I began to consider the words I would want to hear at the end of life. What words would bring me comfort?
The news? Would I want to hear about what is happening in Washington D.C., Wall Street, Hollywood, Moscow, or any other such place? No way! Such events would be far from my mind.
Science facts? Would I want to hear about the latest invention, discovery, or breakthrough? No way! Barring a significant life-extending innovation, why would I want to hear about the newest smartphone or self-driving automobile?
On and on we could go.
There are so many things that compete for our attention and occupy our time…and we assign to them so much value and importance…but they are really so hollow in the ultimate sense.
For most of us, at the end of our lives, we would rather hear something of substance and significance. We would be more comforted by Scripture.
I know that I would find comfort in words such as these:
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isa. 41:10)
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Ps. 23:4)
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (Rom. 5:6-11)
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2 Tim. 4:6-8)
Of course, the comforting promises of Scripture could be multiplied, and the list could go on and on. These are just some of the lines I would like to hear. These bring me comfort. What would be on your list?
