The Last Enemy

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

1 Corinthians 15:26

The Bible speaks of death as a departure. When Paul approached the valley of the shadow of death he did not shudder with fear; rather he announced with a note of triumph, “The time of my departure is at hand” (2 Timothy 4:6).

The word departure literally means to “pull up anchor and to set sail.” Everything which happens prior to death is a preparation for the journey. Death marks the beginning, not the end. It is a solemn, dramatic step in our journey to God.

Many times in my ministry I said farewell to my wife and children as I have departed for a distant destination. Separation always brought a tinge of sadness, but there was always the high hope that we would meet again. In the meantime the flame of love burned brightly in their hearts and in mine.

So is the hope of the believing Christian as he stands at the grave of a loved one who is with the Lord. He knows, as did Paul, that “He is able to keep that which [he has] committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12). He says “Good-bye,” but only until the day breaks and the shadows flee away.

Our Father and our God, like a helpless lamb I follow my Shepherd wherever He leads me. Even through the valley of the shadow of death, I know I can follow Him safely to heavenly pastures on the other side. Help me always to hear His voice clearly and to follow willingly. Through Christ, my Lord, I pray. Amen.

Billy Graham, Unto the Hills: A Daily Devotional (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2010).