Daniel Rai was a great leader among Nepali Christians. He translated the Bible into Nepali language that was published by Trinitarian Bible Society, London. He served the Lord based in Kalimpong, West Bengal, India. He went to Hong Kong for ministry and became sick there. The medical investigation there showed that he had incurable cancer. Doctor who was sad to break this news to Daniel Rai, reluctantly and slowly shared the information. Daniel Rai replied: “Wow Doctor! This is good news to my ears. I am soon going to meet my Father in heaven! Thank you for the good news. Can I get discharged now?” What glorious courage to face death and hope to be in the presence of Saviour immediately?
1) Last enemy: Paul writes: The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” (I Corinthians 15:26) In the life of a disciple, there are many challenges, troubles, tribulations, tests and temptations. The ultimate enemy is death. Like Daniel Rai, believers in fact, mock at death or embrace death as victory.
2) No fear of death: People of God are delivered from the fear of death, while others always live under the fear of the shadow of death. (Hebrews 2:15) In fact, Daniel Rai came to know Christ as he was afraid of death.
3) Where is your sting? Facing death, believers make a triumphant note as overcomers of sin and Satan: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (I Corinthians 15:55)
4) Death door: For those who love the Lord, death is a walk-through gate to heaven. Even as believers walk through valley of the shadow of death, Lord is with them, he escorts and shepherds them to heaven. (Psalms 23:4) Daniel Rai was glad that he will go through the death door to eternity, not afraid of cancer or death.
Disciples of Lord Jesus Christ are not afraid of death but are ready to close eyes on this earth to open in it God’s presence.
Am I afraid of death?