Let Me Die the Death of the Righteous
Surrounding the hospital, as far as the eye of faith can see, angels kneel in quiet expectation. Another of God’s glorious children nears the end of her earthly pilgrimage. Death stands at a distance. Another has paid her debts, Death has no bill to collect from this soul. His only role today is to open up the door of heaven and let her in. With difficulty Death reaches for the handle, his pale shadow recoiling before the brightness of eternal life.
The Father’s voice breaks the silence, “My child, don't be frightened. You are almost well and nearly home. You have more than conquered through Him who loved you. He has redeemed you from your sins by His blood. Come, and I will make known to you the path of life. In My presence is fullness of joy. At My right hand there are pleasures forever more. Be still and know that I am God."
Immediately, her heart rests, her striving stops, and her spirit bursts forth with never before felt freedom. She’s not alone. The smiling faces of angels surround her with joy. These ministering spirits knew her before she knew herself. As a toddler, they carried her toes past stones on earth, now they will carry her soul up past the stars to heaven.
'With all the gladness of a little girl skipping home from school for the holidays', she begins her journey. Faster than light they fly, leaving suns, moons, and stars far behind. In the distance, a new light begins to dawn -- a warm, happy radiance, like the sun of righteousness rising with healing upon His wings. She sees the light, then she hears the sounds of heaven. Like theology on fire, the city overflows with song. Audible beauty that can be felt, their music surges with the power of ten thousand oceans, yet gently it soothes with the happy gurgling of a mountain stream. Here’s a sound worthy of God’s Son, the Lion who is the Lamb.
In a moment she is through the gates and in the glory. Surrounded by the weightiness of God, her soul is not crushed. In fact, it seems to expand. The Spirits of just men made perfect throng about her with crowds of happy hallelujahs. Aloft they carry her towards the Throne Room. It was as she entered that I lost sight of her. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man what glories I saw through that door. But the King was there in all of His beauty. As soon as her eyes saw him, she became like Him forever. And as the door closed, I heard the Lord quiet her with his love and rejoice over her with singing, “I have seen of the travail of My soul and am satisfied.” And all heaven did resound with the song, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!"