Precious Is the Death of a Saint

(Psalm 116:15)

Mike Johnson

 Psalm 116:15 informs us,  “Precious in the sight of the Lord Is the death of His saints.”  What does this mean?  People think of death in many different ways.  A loved one’s death is one of the greatest agonies people typically face in their lives.  We think of losing a loved one in terms of heartache, tears, sorrow, and pain.  Yet this passage says the death of a saint is precious in the sight of the Lord!  This verse is looking at death more from God’s perspective.  God delights when people become Christians — there is rejoicing in heaven; He delights in our progress and finally looks at our death as coming home to Him.  To us, death is a departure; to God, a saint’s death is an arrival.

Consider a statement made by Paul in his letter to the Philippians 1:21-23.  “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.”  At this time, Paul was in a Roman prison expecting to be released.  He stated that if he lived, he would be able to continue helping the Philippians.  However, if he died, he would be able to depart and be with Christ, which, he says, would be far better than life upon the earth.

When faithful Christians die, they can look at God as welcoming them to their new home.  It is important to serve God faithfully.  One day we will pass from this life, and we can be welcomed home by God.  Precious is the death of a saint.