Two Gates

Psalm 9

"O you who lift me up from the gates of death, that I may recount all your praises in the gates of the City of Zion" (Psalm 9:3,4)·

Carolyn and I purchased two plots at Dry Creek Cemetery a few years ago, side by side. "The graveyard is ready for me,” as Job said (17:1).

Having my own grave site is a vivid reminder that I'm standing at the “gates of death.” Samuel Johnson, I think it was, said that the prospect of one’s dying “wonderfully concentrates the mind." Or, as a friend of mine says, “It makes you think about things.” 

I'm assured, however, that God will "lift me up" when my time comes. Jesus said that those who follow him, "will never, ever, under any circumstances whatever die" (John 11:26). He was thinking of my soul, of course. My body I will most gladly leave behind.

Death is not the end of me; it's the gateway to Zion, the City of God. Life doesn't end in death; It's perfected by it. 

I think now of some lines from The Golden Key, my favorite George MacDonald book: 

"You have tasted of death,” said the Old Man. “Is it good?”

“It is good,” said Mossy. “It is better than life.”

“No,” said the Old Man; “it is only more life.”

David Roper

9.23.19