“Grieve over a lost life, but focus on the face of Jesus, your ultimate giver of life.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 14, 2026
Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46
“Son, if you were me, would you take the chemo?” was Momma’s question to me after a sobering visit to her oncologist the day before. Guardedly, I replied, “I don’t know.” Having anticipated she might ask for my advice, I went on. “If I knew I would have five or six months more of quality living, I would, but if it meant only another month of misery, I would not.” Then I wept. Only as a mother can, she comforted me. Three days later, she decided not to take the chemotherapy, and she died in her sleep. Permission to die granted to herself, she was escorted into eternal love.
Jesus faced death knowing He had finished the work of providing salvation for all who believe and of glorifying His heavenly Father on earth. He voluntarily declared, “It is finished.” He committed His spirit to the One who gives life to our spirit. With permission from heaven to return, Jesus was escorted into glory. As recipients of His love, we are to go and do likewise until we breathe our last. Yes, Jesus breathed His last on our behalf!
“A jug of sour wine was standing by. Someone put a sponge soaked with the wine on a javelin and lifted it to his mouth. After he took the wine, Jesus said, ‘It’s done . . . complete.’ Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit” (John 19:29-30, MSG).
Is there someone or something you need to give permission to die? A friend or family member who has been lingering may need you to let go of them in love. Release them from their pain so they can go be with their Savior Jesus. Or a relationship may need to be taken off the breathing machine for a season, until new life can be breathed back into your love for each other. Death is a passage to new beginnings. Permission to die leads to life.
Eternal life beyond this life is with Jesus and those who love Him. Death is still real. Graves are dug, and the ache of separation is only softened by our Savior’s love. For those who belong to Jesus, the grave is a doorway, not a wall. So grieve honestly. Then lift your eyes. What waits for you is not an ending but a reunion, and it lasts. Give yourself and others permission to die and enter everlasting life with the Lord Jesus.
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me courage and love to let go of something or someone who lingers on the verge of death, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Give over to the Lord anyone facing death, and rest in the Lord’s promise of preparing a place to be with Him.
Related Reading
Psalm 31:5; Isaiah 53:7; Acts 7:59; 1 Peter 2:23
Worship Resource
Phil Wickham: Homesick For Heaven
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