Daily Devotion

How does the grace of Jesus show up in death and dying? The tragic loss of a friend’s brother—young, vibrant, a living testimony to the love of Jesus—has me pondering that question. I trust Jesus, so I know He cares. Jesus was not unaware of the moment when the young man’s foot slipped off the cliff. 

What has both comforted and sobered me is the reminder that we are all in the queue to see the King. From the moment of our birth, we’re part of the line that winds its way around the world and back. As time passes, we age, inching forward toward the moment when we stand in the King’s presence. 

Imagine waiting in line at a theme park for ninety years. In this case, though, our anticipation is worth the wait. And a lot of good things are happening while we’re in the queue. We make friends, discuss ideas, marvel at the sunrises and sunsets. We build families, even. And create. And work. And play. 

For some, the line seems too short. Far too short. The crowd hushes as the King rises from His throne and points to someone in line. “That young man,” I imagine Him saying. “Let him come up here to the front of the line.” 

As we hold our own positions in the queue, we wonder if that’s fair. Then we remind ourselves that the King personally called him. And we go back to waiting our turn.  

Faith Step: Are you, or someone you care about, grieving the loss of a well-loved person? Cling tightly to the promise that Jesus cares more deeply than we can know.