Death the Great Enemy Will be Destroyed

One of the hardest parts about this world is death. The struggle to live and make ends meet is harsh enough, but oh how much harder it gets when one we love is ripped from our lives by that cruel villain, death. Whether the death be expected as in the case of a long linger illness, or it comes unexpectedly, there is a sting that is not easily forgotten, and years latter the deep bitterness of that loss can still be felt.

One day as I paused to remember all the loved ones that the cruel hand of death had taken from me, I was reminded of the grand promise that one day, this bitter foe will be no more. That a glorious day is coming that death will meet its own fate, and die, never again to be resurrected.

And oh the joy that filled my heart as I thought of how wonderful that longed for day will be. Oh how my heart leaped within as I tried to imagine the thrill of hearing the powerful voice of Jesus as he shouted, Arise. And with a tremble the earth would rent as the graves of all who longed for the appearing of their Lord opened.

As hard as I tried, I knew that my imagination was not strong enough to capture a hundredth of the magnitude of that day, when after years of being apart, families were reunited. Their tears flowing freely as they fell at the feet of their savior, profusely thanking Him for opening the door to a life where they would never fear having to be parted again.

A dictionary full of words would not be enough, I am sure, to describe the thrill that would fill my heart when upon my trembling ears I heard the familiar voice of my Great Grandmother and my Grandfather as they called my name. The empty ache that plagued my heart each time I recalled the happy days of childhood when I would pause and listen to the cheerful voices gathered around the family table, would finally and forever be gone.

While I could not rightly put to words what that day means to me and how much I long for that glorious hour, the following poem is my humble attempt to express how wonderful it will be when death, the great enemy will at last be destroyed.

Death the Great Enemy Will Be Destroyed

By Katherine B. Parilli

Death is mine enemy. Death with its cold cruel grasp is my unyielding nemesis. With undiminished zeal it seeks my friends and clutches them in its iron hold. How I despise having to say goodbye to those I love.  Every time I lose the battle with hardhearted death my agitation with its unpalatable brutality increases a hundred fold.  Each time it glares down at me with its icy victory sneer I long to see the avenging sword pierce its metallic heart.

Oh how I long for the day when death’s enslaving chains will finally be broken.  My tired heart screams for the day when a new King sits upon its undisturbed throne.  When at last the victims of its peculiar tortures will rise and shout, Glory be to the Mighty King who has conquered the unconquerable foe! Glory to Him who has found a way to set Death’s lost prisoners free!

What a mighty triumph, what a mighty parade will be when death is consumed and its ashes buried in an unmarked grave.  When its unfeeling minions pain, misery, and heartbreak are made to march down the same desolate isle to endure the fate to which they have condemned billions.

My heart longs for the fresh air of Heaven. For the perfect joys of that unseen haven where the sun will shine upon the love ones I watch descend into the cold pit.  There to hold their hands once again as we make the city ring with the grateful song of victory as we bask in the wondrous knowledge that death will be no more.

At last I can walk with those who have been so unexpectedly taken from my side.  What pleasure it will be to spend endless hours sitting in silence or laughing by a carefree brook.  Oh the glory to hear the laughter that I had nearly been engulfed by the trying memory of a lifeless from.

Then at last my mortal enemy will be destroyed.  Death will become a forgotten memory and a weary dream never to be resurrected. Heaven’s light will warm my heart. The peace stolen by that dreadful troll will be replaced. No longer will I have to cry for golden hours of friendship lost. No longer will my heart shed tears over the special moments spoiled by those slicing fangs.  For the dead in Christ will rise never to die again! They will gather in front of His gleaming throne and bow in gratitude for the host of loved ones eternally restored.

There with Jesus, the victor over death I will find eternal rest.  Laughing at the enemy who once brought me low and terrorized me at every turn.  My voice will be lifted with those who felt its cutting sting as we sing a new song, a song of victory, a song of eternity, a song of gratitude, a song of Love to the Lamb that set us free. With endless delight we will shout so all creation can hear, O death where is they sting. O grave where is they victory!

There with Jesus, the victor over death I will find eternal rest.  Laughing at the enemy who once brought me low and terrorized me at every turn.  My voice will be lifted with those who felt its cutting sting as we sing a new song, a song of victory, a song of eternity, a song of gratitude, a song of Love to the Lamb that set us free. With endless delight we will shout so all creation can hear, O death where is they sting. O grave where is they victory!

© 2016