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July 2, 2001
By ROBERT FIGUEROA Reflecting On The Passing Of SaintsIn the last couple of weeks I've known of several saints that have gone on to be with our Lord. This is a time of mourning, but at the same time it brings many families and people together. We at times view death as harsh and we wonder why did God choose this time. We don't know the answer to God's reasons but one thing that we do know about God concerning death is the way He views it. The Psalmist David, who was a man after God's own heart said, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints" (Psalms 116:15). God views the coming home of His children precious. He is our father our Creator and we strive to see Him the apostle John said, "for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2). When that saint has been called home we will miss them but we know without a doubt that they are in a better place and we will see them very soon. I remember hearing a sermon at my Grandpa Figueroa's funeral service which made much sense: "Why would we want to bring him back to this earth". He is in a better place in heaven resting in the presence of God. We can only fill a part of that presence when we are in Church worshipping God, but when we go home over yonder we will be made perfect and our faith will be complete, that's when salvation will be fulfilled! The Apostle John says, "He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life" (John 5:24). If we just believe in Christ we will be passed from our way towards death without salvation, unto life everlasting. It's amazing to know that we can be saved, many times by following the examples of our loved one's that just past on. Their prayers will be answered even if they are not here to see it, but God will answer our petitions. Many things change when our loved ones leave this earth. Families are brought closer, loved ones come to Christ for the first time, and friendships are reunited. It's all to be united, God wants us to be together never forsaking the assembling of each other. At our funeral services there's a call to salvation, many of our family members will come to except Christ because of the lost of our loved one's. Barnes said about the death of a saint:
David in this wonderful Psalms says that God views death as a precious sight. He finally receives His own children into His presence and for eternity he will have perfect fellowship with the saved soul. I want to leave this earth knowing and believing that Jesus Christ is my personal savior. He is my ticket off this earth. who passed on to be with the Lord on May 24, 2001.
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