For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die;
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)

As we approach Holy Week and the death of Christ, we are reminded of God’s providential timing. In various places throughout scripture, we see Jesus evading death. Early in his ministry, he was almost thrown over a cliff in Luke 4:28-30. He narrowly escaped stoning by the Jewish leaders in John 8:59 and in 10:39. After the resurrection of Lazarus  the Jewish leaders plotted to kill Jesus, so he withdrew to Ephraim until his final entrance into Jerusalem (John 11:54).

When the time came; the perfect time to fulfill God’s will in the work of redemption, Jesus willingly turned himself over to the Jewish and Roman leadership. “Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father.” (John 13:1) He submitted completely to the events that would lead to his death: trial, scourging, and crucifixion.  

God is the Lord of time! He knows the past, present and future for each of us.  Job reminds us “Since his days are determined, and the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed his limits that he cannot pass” (14:5). The time and hour of a person’s death is in the hands of the Lord and is known before birth. “Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.” (Psalm 139:16).

Many times, as nurses we may find ourselves caring for those who have a terminal diagnosis, a traumatic injury, or life-threatening illness that will hasten death sooner.  This Holy Week as we meditate on the Lord’s final steps toward death, we can find wisdom and compassion for those who are in their final days or weeks of life.

• First, let’s ensure that no one dies alone. Jesus was abandoned by most of his friends. John, his mother, and a few women watched his excruciating death on the cross. If family or friends are unavailable for our patients, then commit time to sit with a dying patient, praying for their journey towards our Lord.
• Second, this is also a good time to remember to add the suffering, the dying, and their families to our prayer list.
  •  “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.”(1 Timothy 2:1)
  • “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:18).
• Third, let’s remind our patients and families of our Lord’s triumph against death. God not only numbered our days and comforts their suffering, but He also welcomes them with the promised hope of Easter Sunday. Guide them in calling out to the Lord as Jesus did to the Father in his final hour, “Into your hands I commit my spirit.”

For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:53-57)

Let’s support our patients and families in finding peace, love and joy for the final journey.

Easter Blessings from NCFI