The State of the Dead

This year, I learned about a death that happened in the past, but less than half a decade ago. The individual was young when they passed, and after doing some investigation, I learned more about this sad affair. It has left wounds in the family, wounds that are not fully healed. It doesn't help that those left behind don't understand what happens after death. It wouldn't ease the loss, but it would help them to know where their dear one is. It would also allow them to make sense of any after death experiences, and keep them, if they chose, from danger. Maybe they will find this blog post somehow; but even if they don't, I can share the wonderful truth with you, whoever you might be.

 

Understanding what the soul is key to understanding the state of the dead. Genesis 2:7 makes this very clear. "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." These two things combined make "a living soul."

After sin, God told Adam, "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." Genesis 3:19. The Bible does not tell us that he would continue as some spirit entity once this had taken place. The book of Job gives us more insight in vv. 14-15 of chapter 34. Speaking of God, it says, "If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; All flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust."

 

Job also said, "And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be." Job 7:21. The psalmist David said, "Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;" Psalm 13:3. If you search the Old Testament, you will find many more references that refer to death in this way. Ecclesiastes 9:5 reads: "For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten."

 If that isn't good enough for you, there is a passage in the New Testament, however, that makes the truth about death very certain. We find it in John 11:11-14:

 

"These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead."

 

How much clearer can it be? There are individuals who are in heaven right now; but they either never died, as in the cases of Enoch and Elisha, or they were resurrected. This was what happened to Moses and those spoken of in Matthew 27:52-53. All the other people are sleeping until Jesus raises them to life again. That means that there is no chance of your deceased relative communicating with you, and any supposed encounters with them are a deception. Demons watch us all the time and are able to impersonate us very well. They also hear what people say, so they have knowledge of the dead person's history.

 

As we can see, this truth is a lovely one. It is a safeguard, and it is some of the sweet in the bittersweet experience of death, because we don't have to wonder what is happening to our deceased relatives and friends. The privilege of eternal life adds even more sweetness. To think, one day we could be reunited with them forever! While this is possible, it is conditional.

 

What happens to those who were dead once they are resurrected is determined by each person's life. Sadly, someone who has rejected Jesus will be resurrected only to die again and stay resting in peace, not to burn forever. He would not be happy in God's presence, and even if God left him somewhere in the universe and made the spread of rebellion impossible, the person would be miserable forever. The way God deals with sin is a mercy.

 

If someone dies as a believer in Jesus, Jesus will resurrect him to live forever one day, in a place of complete safety and happiness. And though we will be safe and happy, we will be happily busy. "There every power will be developed, every capability increased. The grandest enterprises will be carried forward, the loftiest aspirations will be reached, the highest ambitions realized. And still there will arise new heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new truths to comprehend, fresh objects to call forth the power of body and mind and soul." Ellen White, Education, p. 307.

We can do nothing about the destinies of the dead, but we can do something about ours. Which do you want?

A Solution Worth Seeing

My wheelchair has hill brakes, and while they are nice to have in the event of going down a hill, they can be a hindrance when used otherwise. One of my hill brakes was pushed down this time, and while it was less than ideal, it wasn't horrible. It wasn't as easy to do as when it was off, but I could go forward, turn, and even back up, if I pulled hard enough. In this state, I went over to talk to my sister. After awhile, I tried to go in reverse as before, but didn't get anywhere, although I will say that I didn't try very hard.

 There was a broom close by, and it occurred to me that I could attempt to solve my predicament with that. I went to it, although at first Kadri, who was washing dishes at the sink, wondered what I was doing. Using the broom handle, I pulled up the hill brake and once again enjoyed easy mobility! Praise the Lord! What's more, I was open to that thought.

What would have happened if I had chosen to sit there and be unhappy about my increased limitations, or if I had been content, even, with less than I could have had? As far as being unhappy goes, well, I would have made it worse for my sister in some way, and for me. That would have accomplished nothing. Being content with less than I could have had means that I wouldn't have had freedom so soon; that I wouldn't have had the joy of problem solving; that I wouldn't have had an experience to share with someone and that I wouldn't have been able to show them what God did for me.

Humans sometimes go through unpleasant situations where the key to freedom is right in front of them, and they don't see it. We can already see some of what may have been had I not seen the answer to my problem in the form of a broom handle. We must train ourselves to be alert to problem-solvers around us in every situation. It is so easy to want the solutions to come to us without any effort on our part, like they do at times, but that can't always be. While we are not to trust in ourselves, we are to use the brains God gave us to think, while staying in line with His will.

 There are some solutions to problems that aren't really solutions at all, to be sure. For instance, stealing food to satisfy hunger is not a real solution, for it only adds to the problem. We shouldn't try things like that, then; but we also shouldn't snub a good solution because we don't like it. Some people will not see the Bible as the greatest solution of all, because it means they must change somehow.  Yes, in the process of fixing problems, there is change, and sometimes that change isn't pleasant at first; but later on, we are glad we fixed the issue, even with the trouble in the meantime. We see that it was worth it.

Doing what the Bible says is even more worth it because when we view it further on in life's journey, we see that the so-called trouble (sacrificing for Jesus) wasn't trouble at all. Jesus loves us with a pure love, and wants our complete happiness; so He asks us to give Him only what would keep us from experiencing that. Remember what may have happened if I hadn't seen the help in the broom. When it comes to the Bible, the results are not what might be or may be, but what will certainly be. If we never try His way; if we sit there and complain about what He requires; if we have started and don't press on, forgetting the end of the journey, we will never experience true freedom. It means an unhappier existence while living, followed by death; and while death is a mercy to the wicked, it will certainly not be the best that they could have had! More than the broom, God's way is a solution worth seeing.

~Jean

 

You Will Too

In a previous post, I spoke of being lax when it came to my education. Because of this neglect, I haven't graduated high school yet even though I am in my twenties. My sister, who is younger, doesn't have her diploma either. I started homeschooling when I was fourteen years old, and I would like to think that if I could have seen eight years into the future I wouldn't have been so foolish, but I don't know. I realize that there were other people in my life that were responsible for my education to some degree; but we were both old enough when we began homeschooling, and we should have done better in the first place.

Although I eventually received a lecture from my father that spurred me to do more, life doesn't stop because textbooks need to be completed. I didn't think about the consequences of the path I was choosing, and I didn't make myself do it even though I didn't want to do it. I allowed other things to divert me from my studies, and, in fact, still do today. I know it shouldn't be the most important thing, but it should receive more focused attention than I give it.

A life without a diploma isn't very helpful, at least not where we live. It seems to be a problem for my sister, who wants to be a missionary. These days it is better if you go to college as part of preparation, and one can't go there without a diploma or GED. My being without a diploma doesn't help to show that I am not mentally challenged. My lack of a diploma has nothing to do with not being able to understand things in books, but rather a lack of understanding when it comes to the consequences of choices.

We searched for a way out of the messes we made, and found that the GED was out of the question if we wanted to remain true to principle. We looked into Seventh-Adventist schools too, but it wasn't possible for me, and my sister never finished pursuing a prospective academy. However, we will be able to receive the much-needed papers through Guilford Christian Academy, which makes it possible for homeschoolers like Katie and me to graduate. This opens up other doors, especially for Katie. Earlier on, there were thoughts of going to Hartland Institute, a school in Norway, an intern at Young Disciple. Now it is looking like she might be a camp counselor at Young Disciple camp.

I wouldn't be honest if I said I've always been thrilled with Kadri's going away—I haven't. God has showed me some things, however, that I would like to share with you. Perhaps some of you have to let someone go, too. When Kadri was considering Hartland more than she is now, I struggled but I did some thinking, and the principles still hold true today.

If Kadri were to go to Hartland, she would be going in preparation to do a good work. If she was supposed to go to Hartland and didn't, then she wouldn't be fulfilling God's plan for her.  On the other hand, if my sister followed God's leading, people would be in heaven that may not be there otherwise. What right do I have to be sad about that? Should I cherish the desire that would lead me to let someone experience death forever so that she could be with me a little longer?  No! Instead of pining, may I consider the possibilities; instead of tears, may there be a smile and a hearty, "Go!" Even if the people you know won't be involved in preparation for mission work or anything like that, think about how their leaving may mean that somewhere along the way, they will brighten someone else's life.

Before you think that there is no way you can think that way, that it will be too difficult to be without them and you will miss them too much, read to the end. Kadri and a friend of ours did go away recently—not to Hartland, but to the other side of the world, on a mission trip to the Philippines. I did struggle and shed tears. I was missing the adventure and whatnot. As time went by, however, thoughts came to my mind that helped me to come to terms with Kadri's absence and my place in life, and I talked and prayed with my mother about it. Things were obviously different, but I wasn't constantly thinking about Kadri or longing for her to come home. I adjusted to life as it was, and if you rely on God, you will too.

~Jean

 

His Return from the Wilderness

Matthew 4:1-11 tells us about Jesus' sufferings and victories in the wilderness. We know that He suffered for us, and that He was victorious for us. There are lessons we may learn from His return from the wilderness. "Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:" Matthew 4:12-13. Luke 4:14 says that He "returned in the power of the Spirit."

If we thoughtfully consider the nature of the events that Jesus went through and the reason for them, as well as the aforementioned verses, something becomes evident. Notice that He didn't boast about how He had conquered the devil, or about the fact that He had done it in our behalf. The Bible gives no such record. Rather, we find that He, to put it as Peter did, "went about doing good." Acts 10:38. He gave us an example of humility even here. Think about this in light of the contrasts presented in Philippians 2:5-8 and Isaiah 14:12-15. Isn't the character of our God amazing?

Let us look at where Jesus went next. "And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. Matthew 4:13-16, emphasis added. The people Jesus went to were not those who needed little or no help; He went to those who needed a lot.

Lastly, let us ponder Luke 4:14. "And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about." Mark 4:23-24 says, "And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them." The Holy Spirit is with us to enable us to do good, to follow in the footsteps of our Master in serving others, not ourselves. Oh, may we gaze upon the selfless character of our Saviour, and allow the Holy Spirit to make us like Him!

 Blessings,

Jean

"Parted His Garments"

"And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on Him, and led him away to crucify him." Matthew 27:29-31.

How do we mock the Saviour? Do we crown Him King with words alone, with self as the true sovereign?

"And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. And sitting down they watched him there; And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS." Vs. 35-37.

They crucified Him, but they took what they could get. They hated Him, but wanted what He had—as far as material things went, anyway. They didn't care to be like Him in character. Are we like that?

 

Blessings,

Jean

Something You Won't Regret

"If thou wilt return, O Israel, saith the LORD, return unto Me: and if thou wilt put away thine abominations out of My sight, then shalt thou not remove. And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in Him, and in Him shall they glory."Jeremiah 4:1-2. According to Strong's Concordance, the word for "remove" in the original can mean, "to nod, that is, waver; figuratively to wander, flee, disappear." If the Israelites listened and did what was said, they would "not remove." They would be stable!

More than that, through Israel's obedience, the surrounding nations would "bless themselves in Him." In the same way, those around us who don't know God will be led to Him by our obedience. After the LORD saw that Abraham would obey Him no matter what the cost, He told his servant, " By Myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son:] That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which [is] upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed My voice." Genesis 22:16-18, emphasis added. Abraham was blessed with being able to keep his son, as well as being able to understand the plan of redemption more fully; and succeeding generations have been blessed in that they have his example and a type of Christ's sacrifice to learn from. What if he hadn't obeyed? We wouldn't have it to inspire and encourage us today.

Don't you want to have stability in your life instead of confusion and trouble? Take hold of the promise in Jeremiah! One day when you're gone, don't you want to leave those you love with memories that will help them to follow Jesus and experience a blessing long after you are gone? Follow the example set by Abraham. Cultivating obedience is something you won't regret.

Blessings,
Jean 

A Lesson from Jael

The Israelites were fighting against Jabin, King  of Hazor, specifically against Sisera, the captain of the king's host. After "all the host of Sisera fell upon the edge of the sword" "Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite: for [there was] peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite." (Judges 4:16, 17). Judges 1:16 says, "And the children of the Kenite, Moses' father in law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which [lieth] in the south of Arad; and they went and dwelt among the people." Heber, however, "had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched his tent unto the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh." (Judges 4:11). It seemed, too, that he had made an alliance with the king of Hazor.

For the time being, Jael acted in accordance with this agreement, playing the part of the solicitous host. She entreated Sisera to come in and told him not to fear, covering her endangered ally with a concealing mantle, or rug. She even went so far as to give Sisera milk when he asked her for water (see vv. 18-19). Nevertheless, there was one request of Sisera's with she wouldn't comply.

"Again he said unto her, Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be, when any man doth come and enquire of thee, and say, Is there any man here? that thou shalt say, No." (v. 20). The wife of Heber chose a drastically different course. "Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died." (v. 21).

Notwithstanding the "peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite," Jael was faithful to God and didn't suffer this enemy of His people to live. Yet, take note of what the next few verses say, particularly verse 23. "And, behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man whom thou seekest. And when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his temples. So God subdued on that day Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel." (vv. 22-23, emphasis added).

Even though Jael performed the act that subdued the king of Canaan, the Bible ascribes the glory of this victory to God. Think about it: who gave her the idea, and the brain to receive it? Who gave her the will and the strength to act upon it? She certainly didn't create it right then—it came from Someone other than herself. It's only fair that He alone should receive praise. Shouldn't we give glory to God also, then, for everything we accomplish, instead of to ourselves?

 

Blessings,

Jean