Sabbath Thought – Inheritance at the End of Days

It is one of the unfortunate realities of life that we face death. It probably seems incongruous to speak of death after this nation just observed a National Day of Thanksgiving, but God’s people should also be thankful for knowing his plan of salvation. For those who have not been given the understanding of God’s plan of salvation for all of mankind, the prospect of dying can be terrifying. In considering death, many have wondered and pondered the thoughts recorded in Job 14:14 – “If a man dies, shall he live again...?” This is the age-old question – is there life after death?

In looking back over this past year, there has been five deaths locally. We read is Psalm 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the (Eternal) is the death of His saints.” This verse shows us God’s love and concern for His people because the rest of this chapter is praise and thankfulness for all that God does for us. We have much to be thankful and grateful for from God, and at the top of the list is knowing the meaning of life, that God is sovereign and He has a plan of salvation for mankind. These points also give us understanding of what happens after death.

All manner of philosophies and religions have attempted to come up with an answer to Job’s question. Heaven, hell, nirvana, reincarnation, or some other type of spirit or physical existence – these and many other belief systems have sought to explain the question articulated by Job. God has given the few that He is working with now, a glimpse of the world to come and our role in it. He has given us a hope – indeed the answer – to Job’s question, “If a man dies, shall he live again?”

In 1 Corinthians 15:53-58 we read this: “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this corruptible shall put on incorruption, and when this mortal shall put on immortality, then will take place the word that is written, "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?" The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the Law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. So that, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not without fruit in the Lord.”

Job understood this as well, because the balance of the verse in Job 14:14 says “…All the days of my warfare I will wait, until my change comes.” Much of this life is like warfare, but the end is better than the beginning. In many ways, those faithful until death have been given the same message as Daniel at the end of his book, “Go your way until the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days,” (Daniel 12:13).

We will miss those who have died this past year – and all of those who have preceded them – but we can also take comfort in knowing that they will rest until the end of days. When we see them again, we can once again rejoice and serve together the Great God of the Universe!

I wish you a profitable and value filled Sabbath,

Dan Dowd

6 December, 2025