"Write: 'Blessed are the dead

Steve Nale

Who die in the Lord from now on.'" "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them." (Rev. 14:13 NKJV)

The apostle John, peering through the portals of revelation, penned these words in a chapter that tells of the victory of the faithful in Christ over the influence of Satan and his followers. The faithful in Christ are described as virgins, undefiled, followers of the Lamb "wherever he goes." Their mouths are described as free of guile and they are found "without fault" before the throne of God (Rev. 14:5). Those who follow after Satan, by contrast, are doomed to the same fate as their mentor. The wrath of God will be poured out "full strength" on Satan and "he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb (Rev. 14:10). Further, his followers will be tormented "forever and ever" and "will have no rest day or night." (Rev. 14:11).

I have visited three funeral homes and attended four funerals within the past month. All of those who died were family members of either friends or associates of mine. I felt great empathy for the survivors as they greeted the mourners. Speaking from experience, it is as difficult to know how to receive the condolences of others as it is to offer them. We sometimes just do not know what to say or how to say it. We pay our respects, knowing that someday we will be in their place, dealing with the death of our loved one.

Revelation 14:13 is a powerful verse. I cannot help but call it to mind with every visit to the funeral home and with every trip to the cemetery. Let's think about this verse very carefully, for it teaches important lessons about life and death.

First, John was commanded to "write." This command had been given earlier by the Lord in chapter 1, verses 11 and 19 as John is commissioned to record the vision he is about to receive from the Lord and send his record to the seven churches of Asia. Additional commands to "write" may be found in chapters two and three as each church is evaluated by the Lord and the evaluation is recorded by John. In chapter 14 it is the Spirit of God, speaking from heaven who commands John to "write." Evidently that which he is to write must have special significance, mandating this special command.

Second, John was commanded to write "blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." Notice that this statement is not referring to all the dead, only those who "die in the Lord." These are those who stand in contrast to those who followed Satan in verses 9-11(their fate was eternal torment with fire and brimstone (vss 10,11)). Who are these who "die in the Lord?" Obviously, John is writing of those who are "in Christ" (2 Tim. 2:10), the saved, those spoken of who have "died in Christ" (1 Thess. 4:16). There is great blessing promised to those who die in the Lord!

Third, the Spirit affirms that in death, those "in the Lord" will rest. Life on this earth is but for a short period of time (Ps. 90:10; James 4:14). But it is a time for labor. Jesus pointed this out in John 9:4 as he described his own mission of doing the work of Him who sent him while time and opportunity was available. Life is full of tiring days, but for the Christian, one who dies "in the Lord" a time of rest awaits. This should provide comfort to each of us as we contemplate our own deaths.

Fourth, the Spirit affirms that though dead, "their works follow them." This fact demands our most serious consideration. Your life will leave an example before others. It may be one worthy of emulation or one worthy of avoidance. Nonetheless, there will be those surviving you who will have your influence indelibly impressed upon them. Consider then Peter's rhetorical question in 2 Peter 3:11, "...what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,...?" Have you considered the fact that your works will follow you?

The next time you visit the funeral home, attend a funeral or visit the cemetery, think about Rev. 14:13. May it be said of you some day, 'Blessed is __________________who died in the Lord.'