Address at funeral of Rev. D. K. Macleod

We all know that there is more than one way to describe a death. In the Bible, the death of a believer is described in several ways. For example, Paul likens it to falling asleep; Peter calls it a putting-off of a tent; Abraham was gathered to his people; other illustrations are that of an arrival at a destination or entering a city. Each of them tells us something about the experience of death for a believer.

In Psalm 116:15, the author looks at the death of believers from the point of view of God and he tells us that the Lord regards each of their deaths as precious. No doubt, there are many things that are precious to God, things that he regards as valuable. He is the one who is able to make the true assessment of all things, and in his estimation the deaths of his people are very valuable.

This psalm, which was one of the Hallel psalms that were sung by the Jews at Passover time, was probably sung by Jesus and his disciples following the Last Supper. I wonder what thoughts would have gone through his mind as he sang this verse in the company of men, most of whom were going to die for the faith and for their faith in him. We can picture him looking at each of them while aware of what would happen to them. And what love he would have for them.

It is worth reminding ourselves of the name by which God’s people are called in this verse. They are saints. In everyday usage, this term belongs to the few that are deemed worthy by ecclesiastical opinions, and the recipients of such a title may have been or may not have been saints. The biblical usage is very different. It belongs to those who have been set apart by the Father, redeemed and cleansed by Jesus, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Everything about them, including their deaths, is precious to God. 

In what ways does this verse indicate how God regards their deaths as precious? Here are some suggestions.

First, death occurs by divine appointment. The psalmist reminds us in Psalm 139 that all our days were written in God’s book. As far as his people are concerned, this fact brings them great assurance. They will not die before God’s time, nor will they live on after God’s time.

Second, we can see from the verse that the death of each believer is accompanied by divine attention. The psalmist mentions the sight of the Lord. Of course, we know that God sees everything, whether we think they are secret or open. And he has an opinion of everything that he sees. Some things that he sees he detests. Other things that he sees he values highly and loves to gaze on them carefully. And among the things that he values highly are the deaths of his people.

Why does he value them so highly? Several answers can be given to that question, and here are two. First, they are dying in faith, focussed on depending on his Son as they go through the final valley. Second, they are coming towards the completion of sanctification, that amazing work of transformation that the Lord has been engaged in throughout their Christian journey.

Third, we can see in this verse a description of divine affection. Things that are valuable are treasured, especially if they have been given as expressions of love. The saints are the objects of divine love upon which the Lord gazes with deep affection. Surely, we get an insight into the strength of divine affection for dying saints by considering the posture of Jesus as Stephen was being martyred. He stood, looking over the boundaries of glory, to what was taking place on that occasion in Jerusalem.

Fourth, the verse reminds us of divine anticipation. The dying believer is about to have an experience he has not had before, to be in the presence of God. God is about to have an experience that has not happened before, which is to have that particular believer in his presence perfect in holiness. A beloved child of God is about to enter the Father’s house, and his arrival is anticipated in heaven,

Fifth, the verse points to divine activity.  Within the dying believer’s experience, it is often the case that the Holy Spirit is applying with special power the amazing promises that God has given in the Bible. The believer discovers that the Good Shepherd is with him in the dark valley. And when he dies he becomes perfect in holiness and immediately passes into glory. 

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

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