Davis and I have been reading through The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every story whispers His Name (a side note: I highly recommend it, it shows how Jesus is the real Hero, it's very very well written, and the art/illustrations are beautiful--Davis spent nearly 45 minutes just looking through it when he first got it) by Sally Lloyd-Jones. We are now in the New Testament, so most of the stories are about Jesus or about stories/parables that Jesus told. For the past three stories, he keeps telling me that the next one is when Jesus dies, without flinching or looking sad.
I attend a small group from my church and we're reading through The Journey of Desire by Eldredge. Last week one of the major things that the author points out is Jesus' view on death. He references Paul when he says Jesus abolished death; He simply did away with it. Eldredge elaborates the point by talking about Jesus' dismissal of the subject matter, death was just another event in the course of the entire journey. Death is not the end. I could quote Paul again, "To live is Christ, to die is gain." Our view on death is so skewed, and I think that too many of us...particularly Christians forget that the beauty that we find in life here: whether that be in nature, children, or love, is but a glimpse of what's in store.
Tonight, after the story, Davis again told me that the next one is where Jesus dies and again with a nonchalant attitude. As a 4-year-old, Davis doesn't have the greatest grasp on time, but that's what sometimes makes things so beautiful from his perspective. He knows that Jesus is alive, and that must create in him a promise that death shouldn't be feared. Imagine the potential that life here would have if we could breathe in that promise of Jesus: death is not the end, in fact, it is the real beginning.
I love the idea, and yet, I can't find peace in the concept. I am still terrified at the prospect of my husband's death as he prepares to go back to Iraq. Is it just that I am an adult and have lost my innocent/fearless perspective? I do believe in Christ and all he offers me as a Christian through his sacrifice, but I can't let go of the humanity that I am attached to in life. I suppose that is one of my flaws, which only corroborates the immensity of Christ's divinity and of the sacrifice he willingly made for us.
ReplyDeleteI don't think being an adult means a loss of fearless perspective, rather we understand loss and while we're here, death does mean separation (at least for a time). I was just telling Kevin this morning that while I can breathe in the promise of Jesus for myself, I had the realization that it's the best thing for him too: living is Christ and dying is gain. A gain of a satisfaction to our deepest longings and desires that we could not have fathomed. Why wouldn't I want that for my husband (or anyone else I know) as well as for myself?
ReplyDeleteHi there
ReplyDeleteI'm the author of The Jesus Storybook Bible and I came across your blog via a google alert thing and thought I'd stop by and say Hi. What a powerful post, thank you. "a little child shall lead them..."
(also thanks so much for the good word about the book --so glad you and Davis are enjoying it. It's God's Wonderful Story--and i'm so honored to have a part in retelling it for children.)
Anyway, my best to you all
Sally
sallylloyd-jones.com
PS you and Davis may be interested to know about some cool resources on my site connected with the book, including audio of me reading the stories, downloadable stories, interviews and reviews, etc.