We may not realize or want to acknowledge it but we live in the shadow of death everyday of our lives from the time we were conceived. It was this very thought that haunted me as a ten year old. "Why be born when we will end up dying anyway?" was the incessant question on my child mind that yearned for an answer.

As I heard about mothers losing babies in miscarriages or at childbirth, people dying through accidents and sickness and as I watched my beloved grandma die of old age, death's shadow hung long and low over me as I was growing up. I longed for understanding but death was a taboo subject in a culture and home ruled by superstitions. So while death was imminent and highly visible it was seldom discussed or debated upon in our household. Life and death remained mysteries for me for a long time.

In this final Lent contemplation, I have been reflecting on how Jesus faced his own death's shadow.

Luke 23:33-46 records the actual scene with striking clarity.

Hanging between two convicted criminals on Skull Hill, Jesus did four significant things. He (1) prayed forgiveness for those who were crucifying them; (2) refused to react to those who mocked him; (3) assured the repentant dying criminal beside him of the man’s last request to be with him in paradise, and then (4) he surrendered his own earthly life to his Heavenly Father.

All of the above were done as he was facing his own death's shadow on the necessary Cross. How was this fully mortal man able to face his death with such grace and equanimity?

Reading the Gospels again today, Jesus audacious proclamation in John 8:14 jumped out at me like never before.

"…. for I know where I came from and where I am going."

Jesus was solidly rooted. He knew his origin and his destiny. What blessed assurance!

What a critical different this simple but profound knowledge makes to living and dying. Had I known in my youth about my origin – that I am a beloved child of God, and my destiny – eternal life with God – I believe that my childhood conundrums about life and death would not have been veiled in such despondency and fear. How grateful I am for this knowledge and assurance today.

In his book, “Appointments with Heaven”, Dr. Reggie Anderson’s experiences with dying patients attest to the difference their individual faith in God makes to each of their dying moments. His personal encounter with Jesus Christ at a crucial point in his own life and subsequent God-given glimpses of the after-life enables him to say with confidence that “During our lives here on earth, I don’t believe we’re walking toward heaven – I believe heaven walks alongside us.”

Death’s shadow may follow us in life but its reach stops at the foot of the Cross of Jesus Christ.

"…. for I know where I came from and where I am going." Jesus said. Do you?

Apr.11/17
lzchua