The Enemy in the Camp Part 10: Praise or Panic
Whether we think about it often or not, death is as much a part of this life as birth. Of course, this subject is one that many don’t like or want to think of or contemplate.
The Scripture teaches in Hebrews 9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. We will eventually die, and I believe it is very prudent for all of us to maintain that realization in our minds and prepare for it, not just for those left behind but prepare ourselves for it.
The simplest logic makes it known, we will be gone from this life much longer than we lived it, and being eternal spiritual creatures, our eternity is far more important than this life in the flesh. I will reiterate what I have written before: it seems to be an extreme leap for many to think of themselves as spiritual beings rather than live in the moment of this fleshly life. For the non-believer, it is impossible to consider an eternity outside what is known; even for the believer it is often difficult.
The Bible does address this in Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. We chase after things of this earth rather than things eternal. I ask that you all read Matthew 6:25-35, and I pray these verses speak to you in a depth you have never known. It is the eternal that has importance, and the Scripture teaches us to store up our treasures in Heaven, not on earth.
When I began this writing, I had in mind this would be a teaching, and I had set out to include several Scriptures and point to their significance, however, I began to have a change of heart. I believe this is how the Holy Spirit communicates with me and guides me, so rather than a teaching, my desire is to just talk with you as an individual through written words from my heart.
I have witnessed many who were close to their end, and most understood they were near their passing. In truth, whether known or unknown, our separation from this physical body is inevitable and warrants deep consideration.
One of the most tragic things I have seen are those that are in fear of death, it doesn’t seem to matter if it’s man or woman, adult or child, the realization of impending death brings either great fear or a sense of peace, and there really doesn’t seem to be any in-between. Of course, some who have suffered for long periods seek relief from suffering and anguish, but there still appears to be deep anticipation or apprehension in the coming end.
I could quote many that spoke their last words in their final moments and there seems to be a pattern. Those who are comfortable in their relationship with Christ had a peace and contentment, and were often far more concerned about those they were leaving behind than about themselves, but those who were not saved always exhibited a deep fear of the unknown and even terror at the thought of losing what they had always known.
It seemed as if they knew in their hearts that there was more to come, a darkness to be feared. There are many stories of famous and ordinary people speaking in their last moments, either in fear or contentment, and I have witnessed this in many.
One thing that burdens my heart is to hear some who claim salvation say that they have accepted Christ as their Savior. Tell me this: how does the sheep accept the shepherd? It is the sheep that knows its weakness and lives in fear of being prey to the predator; the sheep realizes the need for the shepherd. It is the shepherd that accepts the lamb, not the other way around.
First, you become aware of the stains of sin and the separation it brings, knowing that only the blood of the perfect sacrifice of Christ can cleanse you of your unclean state, and then you cry out as a lost lamb asking the Good Shepherd to come and save your soul, you repent of your sin, and you are saved. No, brother and sister, we do not accept Jesus as our Savior—we call out as a lost lamb to be saved.
Just as those that know their last days are near, we all are perfectly aware that the end could come, and at any moment we could face our end. My mother-in-law passed while visiting friends eight years ago. Thirty days later my own mother passed while packing to go on a cruise with her best friend.
A year later I lost my best friend from a reaction to medication, and this very morning I heard on the news that a parent and child were killed in a car accident not far from my home.
These things happen every day; we are not promised the day nor the hour. If you know me, then you know I came close to death early this year. I had contracted botulism and could not eat anything of substance for over sixty days. I rapidly lost weight and grew very weak. It is only by the grace of God I did not contract an illness during that time, or I would not be writing this today. Praise God!
I am not speaking to you just as a teacher of the Bible—I am writing from my heart. I ask God to speak to you and lead you to the cross of salvation so that when your time comes, whether it’s instantly and unexpected or known, that you will have lived a life of joy and peace knowing the instant you leave your body you will be present with the Lord in Heaven.
I pray that you have no panic in fear of passing but that your heart be filled with praise for the promise of eternal paradise. May the Lord of Hosts bless you and yours all the days of your life and may your loved ones never witness fear in your eyes or panic in your voice, but only peace and contentment in your countenance as your time draws nigh.
Never limit your prayers because you think you are sinful or undeserving. You’re not praying because of who you are, you are praying because of who Christ is!
Kenneth Kellar
A Man Called by God to Teach and Disciple