Joy in Death

 by Macy Johnson

“And Jesus said to them,

‘I tell you the truth, some who are standing here

will not taste death before they see

the kingdom of God come with power.’”

(Mark 9:1 NIV)

 

I received a text message from a Tennessee cousin one early December afternoon. Her mother had just passed away. My aunt was a very special lady. When she came to visit us, we did things with her that we never would have done with my parents. Aunt Joy always brought joy into our lives.

 

Jeff, my husband, and I visited Aunt Joy two summers ago on our road trip home from the Grand Canyon. We celebrated my birthday with cousins in high style in her beautiful home, as only my aunt would allow. She was always the life of the party, especially when she baked one of her famous chocolate pies. I would love to “taste” one now.

 

I wondered why Jesus used the term “taste death” in his discourse with his disciples before His transfiguration. Is it like tasting tiny portions of a delicious meal before taking a bite? Is it like a musical prelude to the worship service? Do I need to taste death before I can observe the power of the kingdom? Does death come before or after the kingdom is revealed?

 

Death is the end of one life and entry into another. Aunt Joy’s transfiguration has taken her into the arms of Jesus. She now experiences a Kingdom of God that I cannot begin to imagine.

 

I look forward to physical death, and realize I am called now to die to myself in order to experience His amazing kingdom, here and now. That is the real Joy in Death every day.

 

I will die to myself today, so I can be joyful in kingdom service. I hope you will, too!