Early Death – God’s Protective Power?

Have you ever heard about someone who died and seemed too young to die? Did the Lord take them home for a reason or not?

Good question. I found the answer in Isaiah. 

“The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” Isa 57:1-2*

The prophet Isaiah provides a poignant message about God’s protective hand. The righteous may suffer and die, yet this is part of God’s plan to protect them from greater evils. What may seem like a premature death may not be, and This revelation should offer profound comfort and understanding for those who follow God’s will.

What’s The Fate of the Righteous?

Isaiah begins by highlighting the untimely death of the righteous and the lack of concern from those around them. This can be disheartening, especially when many seem indifferent to the loss of those who live justly and devoutly. However, Isaiah provides a more profound perspective: God removes the righteous to protect them from future evil. In His infinite wisdom, God may sometimes allow His faithful ones to pass away early to protect them from forthcoming trials and tribulations.

The best definition of “righteous” is living in a way that you do what is right in the eyes of God. If you do this, then how can you go wrong?

I couldn’t help but imagine how many of God’s dear faithful followers living in Germany from 1933 to 1945 died before seeing the evil that came in the form of a Natzi. I don’t know, but if we take this verse seriously, the possibility is more than believable.

Entering God’s Peace

Isaiah reassures that those who walk upright will find peace in their afterlife. This is an essential reminder that death is not the end, but a transition to eternal rest and peace for the righteous. This passage underscores the hope and assurance that God’s faithful servants have a secure place in His divine plan, where they will no longer face the turmoil and suffering of the world.

What’s The Fate of the Unrighteous?

While Isaiah 57:1-2 primarily focuses on the righteous, it implicitly contrasts their fate with that of the unrighteous. The unrighteous, who do not walk in God’s ways, face the consequences of their actions without the divine protection afforded to the righteous. This serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of living a life that aligns with God’s will.

So, the definition of “unrighteous” may do what is right in your own eyes: hard-hearted, unfair, prejudiced, wrongful, unreasonable, disobedient to God’s word, and so forth.

The following verse reminds us that God takes no pleasure in the death of the unrighteous.

As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die? … Eze 33:11 NIV

So, What is God’s Plan for Protecting the Faithful?

These verses affirm that God does plan to protect those faithful to Him. Even in death, God spares the righteous from worse evils. Even if they do not die, the Lord can help them overcome. This divine protection extends beyond our earthly understanding and highlights God’s merciful nature. By trusting in God’s plan, we can find solace in knowing that His ways are higher than our own and that His protection is unwavering.

What’s our Lessons for Today?

• Trust God’s Sovereignty: We must trust God’s sovereignty, even when circumstances seem grim. God’s perfect plan assures protection for those who remain faithful. This trust can help us confidently navigate the challenges we face on a day-to-day basis without fear or anxiety.
• Value Righteous Living: The passage emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life. By following God’s Word and walking uprightly, we align ourselves with His divine plan and walk securely in His protection. This commitment to living right should help us in our daily actions and decisions.
• Find Comfort in God’s Promise: In times of loss, we can find comfort in God’s promise that the righteous enter peace and rest. This assurance can provide peace and hope, knowing that God’s faithful servants are in His care, free from the undue suffering of this world.
• Reflect on Our Mortality: Isaiah 57:1-2 additionally encourages us to reflect on our mortality and the transient nature of life. Reflect again on these verses and allow them to inspire you to make meaningful choices that honor God as you walk in His pleasing, perfect, and acceptable will.

Conclusion

Isaiah 57:1-2 offers a profound message about the fate of the righteous and the unrighteous. It reassures us that God has plans to protect those faithful to Him, even in death. We can confidently navigate life’s challenges by trusting in God’s sovereignty, valuing right living, and finding comfort in His promises.

These verses remind us of our hope and assurance in God’s divine plan, inspiring us to live lives that reflect His love and righteousness. 


Reflection

• What was the most meaningful statement or Scripture you read today?
• Reword the statement or Scripture as a prayer response to the Lord.
• What does the Lord want you to do in response to today’s blog?

“Who gathered this flower?” The gardener answered, “The Master.” And his fellow servant held his peace. ~Epitaph