When Jesus talked about His own death, the disciples reacted the same way many of us do—by focusing on the part we fear most. Luke tells us Jesus said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things … and be killed, and be raised the third day.” (Luke 9:22.) But the disciples got stuck on the suffering and missed the promise. They heard the thunder and skipped the sunshine.
Fear of death is common, but Christians have something the world’s philosophies cannot offer: a Savior who has conquered the grave. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25.) That single promise has carried believers for two thousand years—through wars, plagues, grief, and even through the ordinary quiet days when we don’t want to think about our own mortality.
The writer of Hebrews gives us a stunning picture of what Jesus accomplished: “Only by dying could He break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.” (Hebrews 2:1415.) No wonder Paul later taunted death itself: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:54.) Through Christ, death no longer gets the last word. It’s been demoted. Downsized. Stripped of its bragging rights.
But that doesn’t mean we ignore the subject. Instead, we prepare for the end of life the same way we prepare for every other season— with faith, hope, and obedience. And one of the best guides for that preparation is listening to the regrets of those who have reached life’s final moments.
A hospice worker once collected the most common ones: wishing they had lived more honestly, loved more openly, and worked less frantically. None of the dying wished they had owned a nicer home, boat, or car. The regrets were all relational—toward God and toward others.
Scripture calls us to reverse those regrets while we still can. Like David, who prayed, “Even when I am old and gray … let me declare Your power to the next generation.” (Psalm 71:18.) Like Paul, who said, “I press on to reach the end of the race.” (Philippians 3:14.) And like Jesus, who comforted His disciples with the promise, “I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2.)
So as Thanksgiving arrives, don’t be afraid to be the one who prays before the meal, shares a testimony, expresses gratitude, or says “I love you” out loud. If this were your last Thanksgiving, what legacy would you want to leave? A legacy of fear— or of faith?
At LECC, located at **415897 Highway 9 in Eufaula, we help each other choose faith every week—small group Bible study at 10 a.m., worship at 11 a.m., and Wednesday night all-age activities at 6:30 p.m. Come join us. Eternity is too important to face unprepared, and far too wonderful to face without the joy you’ll find with our congregation.
God Bless You!
Jeremy Little, Minister
