“Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.” – Daniel 12:2

Gilbert Haven was a Methodist Episcopalian Bishop known as an able writer, a zealous reformer, an earnest preacher, and an indefatigable laborer. He died on Saturday morning, January 3, 1880, in Maiden, Massachusetts.

In his last few hours of life, Bishop Haven’s allowed many of his friends to see him one more time in this life. Many were near at hand. Others were summoned by telegram and by messenger, until groups gathered around that couch, touched with the light of immortal glory, to muse over the transition from death unto life.

A physician who was present said: “I never saw a person die so before.” A clergyman remarks: “To me it did not seem that I was in the presence of death. The whole atmosphere of the chamber was that of a joyous and festive hour. Only the tears of kindred and friends were suggestive of death. I felt that I was summoned to see a conquering hero crowned.”

His last words were: “Oh, but it is so beautiful, so pleasant, so delightful! I see no river of death. God lifts me up in His arms. There is no darkness; it is all light and brightness. I am gliding away into God, floating up into heaven.” With a final breath he proclaimed: “I believe in the resurrection of the body!”

Everyone who has ever lived will be raised from the dead, some to eternal life with Christ and others to eternal separation from God. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that death has no power over those who put their trust in Jesus Christ.

“Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with the resurrection.” – Watchman Nee

God’s Word: “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.” – 1 Corinthians 15:22-23

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2004, Devotional E-Mail DEVOTIONS IN EZEKIEL AND DANIEL pkennedy@devotional.com