Why Do Good People Die?
Isaiah 57:1-2 NTL
Good people pass away; the godly often die before their time. But no one seems to care or wonder why. No one seems to understand God is protecting them from the evil to come. For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die.
By: Alexandra Jaclyn A.
Let's Get Your Bible Ready! It is important to always double check what you're reading. The Bible should be your primary source!
God's Way
Why do good people die? Well, Isaiah 57:1-2 perfectly answers the questions most of us have!
Death seems so horrible to those that don't understand the godly are now at peace and are protected. Sometimes we don't understand because we prayed first or they prayed, so why are they gone? We had faith that they would be ok, so why aren't they? Why do bad things happen to good people? Or maybe you were just looking at it the wrong way.
Just because you didn't get what you want doesn't mean it's wrong. The Lord does what you NEED not what you want.
- "You do not realize it now what I am doing, but later you will understand." - John 13:7 NIV
Often, we have an image of what needs to be right for things to be "OK". We tend to pray very selfishly. "Lord, I want this." "Lord, give me this or I will not be ok." " Lord, save me from this, but specifically this way only."
Yes, we are to have faith that He can do all things and yes, faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. But our God is not a magic genie! He is not here to grant your wishes, especially when these wishes could harm us in ways we can't imagine. It's easy to focus on the bad and blame God, but when was the last time we thanked Him for all of the good He has put in our lives. Remember, God has never abandoned us, and we take that for granted way too often.
- "for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you" - Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV
New Beginnings
"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of death sin is law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! - 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 NIV
Death seems so sad sometimes. As if it's the end of a relationship, the end of creating memories. Sometimes it feels like the end of you. But it's not! Because Jesus has conquered death. Death is not the end but a new beginning!
Through Christ we have new life! So go out and teach the word of God so that all may have a new beginning through Him.
- Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here! - 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Remember the resurrection of Jesus? He was proof that through His blood we are saved and will be reborn. Death was not the end for Him; it was a new beginning. A beginning where everyone could be freed from the chains of death. He gives us hope and promises eternal life! We our body dies, we are freed from sin, pain, sadness, fear, all of the awful things we experience on this world.
So, thank Him for a new beginning! Thank Him that our bodies can die so our soul can live on forever in peace, happiness, and harmony!
- "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?" - John 11:25-26 NIV
Jesus Wept
The shortest verse in the bible is John 11:35, Jesus Wept. Do you know why He wept? He was mourning the death of a friend. A lot of times Christians feel guilty for mourning. "We have new life through Christ and they're at peace now, I should feel happy for them." Well, Jesus mourned. It's ok to feel sad, let me show you why.
Even though Jesus knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead. He still wept. Jesus did this for a few reasons. Compassion, empathy, and love. Lazarus had a sister named Mary. Mary came to Jesus after Lazarus was put in his tomb for a few days, and she sobbed. She mourned over the brother she had loved so much. Aware of Mary's pain and having empathy in this situation, Jesus was deeply moved by her sorrow, and He wept.
When the Jews saw Jesus' weeping, they said "see how he loved him!" Jesus mourned not just to show compassion and empathy, but to show His love. So, it's ok to cry, be upset and in pain, and mourn because it shows our love.
We need time to show how much we loved the ones we have lost from this world. It helps others see the importants of love and relationships. It moves each other and brings us closer together. It lets us empathies and opens our eyes to the reality of this world.
When we do end up mourning, God blesses us.
- "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." - Matthew 5:4
Take time and weep like Jesus, be moved like Jesus, show love like Jesus, have empathy like Jesus, and be blessed by doing so.
Your pain is not forever; death is not the end. Be still and know that God has a plan for and everything will be ok. He will always do what is best for you even when you can't see that it is. He will always be there for you; He has never abandoned you.
This is why good people die and it's not the end for them.
There is a song that helps me when I'm feeling down, when it feels hard to have hope and faith in God's plain for my life. It gives me hope and lets me mourn.