death

The Wisdom of Solomon contemplates the metaphysics of death. Is it God’s doing? Did he create things to die?

The psalmist asks God to help him on the grounds that if he is dead he can no longer do the thing he loves most, praise his God.
"What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness? Hear, O LORD, and be gracious to me! O LORD, be my helper!"
He reminds us that, “his anger is but for a moment; his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

Jeremiah’s lament picks up that refrain, and answers Wisdom’s desire for understanding death. “For the Lord will not reject forever. Although he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone.”

Jesus is met by Jairus whose daughter is dying. He goes to heal her, but is interrupted by a life-drawing touch from a woman whose life is leaking slowly from her. Giving life to her, he is interrupted once again by the news that Jairus’ daughter is dead. What is God’s reaction to death? There is no finality to it. He does not reject forever. Jesus raises the girl to life as though she was sleeping. For to God that is all death is.