The Death Of His Saints

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

Psalm 116:15

What are we to make of such a text as this, especially in the context in which it appears?  The psalmist has begun this section by asking, ‘What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?’  He has answered his own question by saying that he would ‘take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.’  He has further resolved to keep his promises to God.  In the midst of these resolutions, he remarks, ‘Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.’  How does this relate to the rest of the passage?  The ultimate end of the earthly life of the believer is to be with Christ and to be like Christ.  For Christ, the death of those who believe in Him is a promotion.  Those who saw Him only with the eyes of faith will now see Him in Person.  Those who enjoyed His presence in the place of prayer will now be in His presence in a way whey have never been before.  Those who have responded to His grace by taking the cup of salvation, and beginning to imitate Him will, ‘be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.’  For this reason, ‘precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.’  We cannot fear what brings us to Christ.

Our Glorious Living Christ,
we rejoice that the day is coming when the faith will be sight.
We praise You that You are bringing us step-by-step,
closer to the day and hour
when we see You Face-to-face.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning