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Facing Death With Faith (Philippians 1:20-26)
“Death don’t have no mercy in this land. Come to your house, you know it don’t take long — Why, you look in the bed this morning and find your family’s gone” (The Grateful Dead).
We as Christians live in a world of paradox. As I write this on Resurrection Day, the headlines scream, “Death by COVID-19,” while the livestream preachers proclaim, “Life in Jesus Christ!” The world fears death, while believers embrace it.
I recall when, as a young man (And that’s a heap of recalling), some friends and I lay awake at night, wondering what’s on the other side of death — darkness? pain? We were “those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery” (Hebrews 2:15).
My worry about death is the fear of leaving my wife alone. (My other fear is whether, if she goes first, she will leave me anything?) Otherwise, I have no fear of death ——dying, perhaps, if it is an unpleasant exit — but not death.
Paul was torn about death, whereas most people have no dithers: it’s not something to look forward to. Death is solely a negative, a skinny-dip into the unknown. Imprisoned as an enemy of the Roman state, Paul knew he could be extinguished at whim, so the thought of death occurred to him. He shares his thoughts so we can share his outlook on death.
In verses 20 and 21, Paul showed courage in the face of death because he knew “our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10). Faith produces courage and glory to God. Verses 22 and 23 reveal Paul’s dilemma: Be released from the labors of mortal life, or selflessly remain for the church’s benefit. My benefit or theirs? A tough choice, one that makes death seem desirable; yet, when given a choice, choosing death can seem selfish.
Although Paul preferred to die and depart, he would then discontinue his ministry to the Philippian church that loved and needed him (vv. 24–26). Their love and need for him convinced Paul that he was slated to stick around for a time. His service to them would nurture their faith and bring glory to God through them and him. Although death would paradoxically benefit Paul, he wanted to do what would help others and glorify the Christ whom he longed to see.
As we hear endless tales of fear and death and panic, we must live as believers who fear nothing but fear itself (Roosevelt). To the world, the desire to die seems escapism that could lead to suicide (Which, ironically, is illegal and hard to prosecute!). For the Christian, although death is gain, the important thing is to make the most of life by serving Christ in whatever way he has ordained. As Paul’s friends prayed for his deliverance (v. 19), let us pray to be delivered from pandemic panic! And when that time comes, we shall be the true grateful dead
– Alan Allegra
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