October 8

"The time of my departure is come ... I have finished the course." 2 Timothy 4:6, 7

On at least three occasions Jesus evaded the jaws of death. He did this because he knew that his time had not yet come. The Father had appointed him an hour, and he knew he should not die in advance of that. The Apostle Paul likewise had the frequent experience of escaping death. He was not afraid to die; nevertheless he clearly trusted in God that he would not die before his work was done.

In the Old Testament we read of patriarchs who died "full of years." This means that they lived out totally the days appointed by God. Whether life be long or short, God intends that we should not perish like sinners before our appointed days are fulfilled. Our years should suffice to accomplish whatever, in his eyes, is our life's work. This is the victory over death.