Skeak Peek: Dying Well
I've Finished the Course
For I am being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. II Timothy 4:6&7
“It was a great game.” Bing Crosby, who collapsed after sinking a final putt on a golf course in Spain. (1904 – 1977)
“O my God! It is over. I have come to the end of it – the end, the end. To have only one life, and to have done with it! To have lived, and loved, and triumphed, and now to know it is over! One may defy everything else, but this.” Queen Elizabeth I (1533 – 1603)
“My God, what’s happened?” Princess Diana Spencer in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel, as recorded in the official police files in Paris. (1961 – 1997)
“Now God be with you, my dear children. I have breakfasted with you, and shall sup with my Lord Jesus Christ.” Robert Bruce, King of Scotland (1274 – 1329)
Humans are unique among all God’s created beings. We are seemingly the only ones who understand the concept of death and after-life. We therefore are the only creatures who have been given the privilege of preparing ourselves for that coming day.
The great Apostle Paul was about sixty-five years of age when he wrote his last letter. It was addressed to his young protégé Timothy. About a month before he was martyred, Paul wrote these words, “The time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight … I have finished the course.”
The time of my departure has come
Three pictures defined the Apostle’s view of life. The first one was set in a nautical venue, “the time of my departure has come”. The Greek word that he chose to use for his leaving earth pictured a sailor in his ship setting out on a long voyage. It infers pulling up anchor, untying ropes from the dock, setting his sails and catching a breeze into the open waters. Can you see the ship sailing out of sight to a far off destination?
A friend of mine used the same metaphor for her departure just a couple of months ago. Judy was an avid kayaker, so three weeks before she died of ovarian cancer, she asked her husband and daughter to help her down to the lake near their home. Hardly able to walk, her family almost had to carry her to the waiting boat. After climbing in, gathering up her strength and donning trademark smile, Judy told her husband Dave to turn on the video camera. Then she spoke of her undying love for her family and friends, and deep faith in God. She quoted a couple of scriptures that had been a source of strength to her, pulled up anchor, waved good-bye and paddled out into the distance. The family played the video at her memorial service. I don’t need to tell you the response from her gather friends.
I fought the good fight
The second metaphor that the Apostle Paul used was, “I’ve fought the good fight.” A few years ago a dear friend of mine died in her late eighties. Maria had been a sweet friend, an awesome wife and loving mother for most of her years. She’d given birth to ten children; lost a couple in infancy, fought through sickness, poverty and war (Maria had moved to Canada from Italy after World War II) and was spending her sunset years resting in a well deserved care home.
On the night that she died, my elderly friend was sitting in her favourite chair reading the Bible. Around 9:30, a nurse came in and said, “Maria, it’s time to get your beauty rest.”
Her response, “No sweetie, I think I’ll just sit here and read for a while. I’m going home tonight you.”
Of course the nurse had heard that wish from many of her patrons. They too had thought they were going back home to being a mother and wife. But as for Maria, she understood something beyond our human world. When she said, “I’m going home tonight,” she meant, “I’ve fought the fight of life well. It’s over and I’ve won. Now it’s time to receive my final trophy.” And that she did. Maria sat in her rocking chair and continued reading from her beloved Bible, until Jesus came a couple of hours later and carried her off to her new home.
I've finished the course
Paul’s third metaphor was, “I’ve finished the course”. Having spent several months in Corinth, likely having watched the Isthmus Games, he was alluding to the relay races. The apostle had made reference before, to stripping away any outer weights that may slow us down, keeping our eyes fixed on the finish line, running with passion and making sure we place the baton securely into the next runner’s hands. Now, there he was at the end of his own race, having completed the prescribed distance and stretching out to the finish line. He could almost feel the winner’s olive wreath on his head. Paul concluded his thought with the promise, In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day; and not only me; but also to all who have love His appearing. II Timothy 4:8
Blossom, Jeremy and I have written this book with the intent of helping our readers not only finish well, but also to die well. We want to (Blossom has already succeeded) do what we’re advocating – to transition from life on earth, to life in heaven, successfully.
Our prayer is that you will do likewise; that while you are healthy, maybe even young, you will begin the important process of preparing to die well. May you enjoy God’s gifts of peace and happiness as you read what we’ve written and do what is suggested.
