THE NEARNESS OF DEATH

1 Sam 20:3

Morning Meditation 12/22/2012

1 Samuel 20:3, "And David sware moreover, and said, Thy father certainly knoweth that I have found grace in thine eyes; and he saith, Let not Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved: but truly as the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me and death."

IT WAS A NEAR STEP

David was on the run from Saul who had vowed to kill him when he said this. David felt the heat of Saul’s wrath and was afraid for his life. It is true that we never know when death will come to us. It should motivate us to live for the Lord and be ready to meet the Lord.

I have visited with many who had a terminal illness and their conversation was very religious. They knew that they were about to meet their maker.

IT WAS A DREADED STEP

The lost man dies differently than a saved man. I have witnessed the death of those who did not want you to mention the name of Jesus. Death is a frightening moment for them. You want to pull them out of the fire. But God will not save a man against his will.

I have also witnessed some death bed conversions. Jude puts it this way: Jude 1:23, "And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh."

Some do not believe in death bed conversions. But the thief on the cross proves God will save a person who is a step away from death. Luke 23:42-43, "And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise."

IT IS A SAFE STEP FOR THE BELIEVER

Philippians 1:23, "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:" Paul did not dread death. He said it was far better for the believer.

2 Corinthians 5:8, "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."

If we believe this verse it will comfort us in the hour of death. The step of death does not need to be a dreaded step. It can be a comforting step.

May the Lord bless these words to our hearts.

In Christ

Bro. White