Why YEHOVAH God Allows Untimely Death

As long as you're walking with YEHOVAH God, no one can take you from His love and care. But, when YEHOVAH GOD does determine to allow you to die -- because He knows you are ready or the time in His purpose is fulfilled -- you'll never have to fear death!

Bob -- a fine, upstanding Christian man -- was driving home from work. Rain had been falling most of the day and the roadway was wet and treacherous. As he rounded a curve in the road, his tires began slipping and his car went skidding in circles out of control. The auto crunched to a jolting halt against a nearby embankment. Bob was thrown from the car and hurled onto the roadway pavement! His head struck the hard surface -- and he never regained consciousness. An hour later, he was pronounced dead at a local hospital from massive head injuries. He was 40 years old.

His wife and children were heartbroken. They were a closely knit family -- Bob being a strong spiritual leader. His little boy, upon hearing of his father's death, cried, "Why did God let Daddy die, Momma? He was good and taught us God's way, and we all prayed so many times for God's protection."

Most of us know of some such tragedy or have experienced one in our own family. "Why did God allow it to happen?" we wonder. Deep sorrows and afflictions often do touch the lives of Christians during their sojourn on earth.

Why should this be? Doesn't the Bible say that YEHOVAH God is a loving heavenly Father who hears our cries, who promises protection, deliverance and healing when we are sick?

I Peter 3:12 plainly states: "For the eyes of the LORD are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers...." The Psalmist said: "Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling..." (Psalm 91:9-11). Yeshua the Messiah also said: "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5).

How, then, in the face of these promises, can we explain the suffering and the death that is experienced by true Christians? There is an answer.

Before getting down to specifics, let's notice one obvious but important point. YEHOVAH God never intended that physical life go on forever in this temporary, fleshly human form. To the contrary, He tells us that sooner or later all must die. "...it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). Solomon said: "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die..." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2).

Human life at its best is mortal and temporary -- it's here today and gone tomorrow. When compared to eternity, even 70 or 100 years is as nothing. Looked at in reverse, the deep grueling pain of anguish and suffering -- though sometimes heart breaking and hard to endure -- is but the blinking of an eyelash compared to the vast span of eternity ahead. The Apostle Paul wrote: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (II Corinthians 4:17).

YEHOVAH God has given all of us life. And that life has been redeemed by the life of Yeshua the Messiah!

Our lives belong to YEHOVAH God. He loves us with a fervent love, and is infinitely concerned with our earthly welfare and eternal destiny! YEHOVAH, then, being in control, will allow only that which is BEST according to His wisdom and eternal plan! If He allows tragedy, such as untimely death, to occur, we can trust in YEHOVAH God that it will serve a good and rightful purpose in His plan. "ALL things work together for GOOD to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

I John 3:20 tells us that YEHOVAH knows all things! He's intimately acquainted with our pains and sorrows. "For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust" (Psalm 103:14). So, when illness strikes, YEHOVAH can completely cleanse the human body of ANY kind of disease. He can remove any type of affliction and hardship. "Ah LORD God! Behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee" (Jeremiah 32:17).

Yet, many dedicated and faithful Christians have died -- some in anguish and pain -- because YEHOVAH God did not yet intervene to heal. Why?

While we know the overall principles YEHOVAH uses, we cannot always know which of these principles is involved in every case. Only YEHOVAH God knows the hearts of individual people and acts with each one to accomplish His will. The following seven reasons show why YEHOVAH permits illness and death among His people and their loved ones.

1). God allows some to die when their purpose has been fulfilled. Many zealous Christians have walked faithfully with YEHOVAH and have been tremendous examples in love and service to others. In their own special way, they may have preached the gospel more powerfully than a thousand sermons. In such cases, when they have fulfilled their great purpose and their life's work is done, YEHOVAH has chosen to take them.

The Apostle Paul's own life is a living testimony of this truth: "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, l have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness..." (II Timothy 4:6-8).

We humans place so much emphasis on this fleeting existence, which is natural since it's all we have experienced, but the great majestic God who inhabits eternity thinks on something far more permanent: the spiritual character we are building for sonship in His Kingdom. Once our spiritual lives have been molded for YEHOVAH's Family -- and we are fully prepared to become His sons -- our purpose for this human life is complete! YEHOVAH God in His wisdom looks down from His throne and determines when it is time to preserve our perfection intact!

Of course, the hurt and sorrow from the loss of a loved one can be traumatic! But YEHOVAH, in His infallible wisdom, knows what is best. Out of deep love and mercy, He takes those who have reached a degree of spiritual maturity from the horrors that we may have to live through during this life -- especially in the trying times ahead. Those of YEHOVAH's true children who have died, have qualified for His Kingdom, will be safe and secure in the grave, no longer having to struggle against the trials and temptations in this life.

2). Some die because of their environment, or the breaking of natural health laws. In some nations people naturally do not live as long simply because of dietary conditions -- malnourishment, disease, lack of sanitation, harsh living conditions, or many such factors.

Some people die prematurely just by "working themselves to death." Some Christians have done exactly that -- but they have lived fruitful, conscientious lives and have died in FAITH. And, YEHOVAH God has allowed it, deeming them qualified to enter His Kingdom.

Others have difficulty learning to apply the principles of YEHOVAH God pertaining to health. There are some who perhaps in ignorance have continued to break these life-giving precepts -- and suffered the physical consequences in their bodies. YEHOVAH may withhold healing until changes are made and the person starts practicing good health laws.

3). Lack of faith in the Messiah as healer. We should not deny or try to reason around the fact that some people die because they lack faith. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians concerning their lack of faith in the Messiah as healer in connection with the Kiddush observance. He said: "For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep [are dead]" (I Corinthians 11:30).

Some have not been delivered from illness because they didn't fully trust YEHOVAH God. The Messiah said, "According to your faith, be it unto you" (Matthew 9:29).

But, even if YEHOVAH permits a person to die, his future life is still secure in YEHOVAH God if he has the holy spirit and is striving (though imperfectly) to live YEHOVAH's way. As the Apostle Paul wrote: "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life...shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).

4). As a living testimony, or so that YEHOVAH's Work may increase and grow. In ancient Israel, YEHOVAH God often removed kings and leaders (both good and bad) through death in order that His PURPOSE could be continued! As an example, even dedicated Moses was not permitted to go into the Promised Land. The mantle of authority was placed on Joshua to lead YEHOVAH's chosen people, showing that some are taken when their work is completed to open up the way for others to carry on YEHOVAH's Work! And their death often remains a living testament of faith and endurance to those Christians who remain.

The Bible is a chronicle of history, dating the appearance and the passing of great spiritual leaders. On a lesser scale, the same has happened in individual lives of ordinary people of YEHOVAH God. Let us not doubt or question the integrity of YEHOVAH God in such matters.

Hebrews 11 talks of people who died in the faith, being beaten, whipped, even slaughtered for the cause of YEHOVAH God. But, their lives helped shape the destiny of others (verses 35-38).

These people were a dramatic testimony -- as was the Messiah's example before his persecutors -- of faith and courage and perfect trust in YEHOVAH God. It shows a belief in something far GREATER than anything this world has to offer! The flames of YEHOVAH's martyrs have seared the pages of history and stand as a perpetual witness to the world. But remember, they have it made, and will shine forth with great glory in the Kingdom of YEHOVAH God.

Remember also the example of those who were willing to give their life but were not required to, such as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3). They had great faith in YEHOVAH God and gave a great witness. They knew that YEHOVAH could save them from death, but they did not know if YEHOVAH would choose to save them then (verses 16-18). Their faith was absolute, though, in YEHOVAH's ultimate salvation.

Not all Christians are called to be martyrs -- YEHOVAH God does not require that all die or come face to face with death before deliverance in this way. He does promise, however, that He will not allow you to be tempted above what you're able to bear (I Corinthians 10:13).

5). Time and chance happen to the innocent. As we investigate the reasons for the untimely death of YEHOVAH's people, we must keep in mind that YEHOVAH God is not working with every human on earth.

Thus the promises of YEHOVAH's protection and special care do not apply to everyone. Not because He doesn't care or has no concern for mankind, but because it is not His plan to deal with them at this time. Their day is still coming. Every human will have a full and ample opportunity for salvation - some now, and some later in a physical resurrection.

The Messiah commented that the deaths of many people occur because they just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The ones who died were not worse sinners than others (Luke 13:1-5). But YEHOVAH God was not working with them yet in a personal way.

This is why Solomon could say "time and chance happeneth to them all" (Ecclesiastes 9:11). Circumstances can converge at some point -- an automobile accident, drowning, natural disaster -- and can take the life of a loved one. But that loved one is not hopelessly lost!

The comforting hope we have in such cases is that they will be raised from their graves in a resurrection after the 1,000 years (Revelation 20:5) to be given renewed life and an opportunity to know YEHOVAH God in a world free from the ways of Satan. If you have not yet learned of this comforting truth, write for our free article that explains this subject in depth. It's entitled: Is This the Only Day of Salvation?

6). To serve as a test for the living. When Job's family was taken from him by Satan (Job I and 2), did he give up and quit? No! Even though he didn't understand why YEHOVAH allowed it, he remained true to the end. Though stricken with the natural sorrow and grief of losing his children, he confessed his allegiance to YEHOVAH God and his confidence in the ultimate outcome of YEHOVAH's wisdom.

When you see loyal Christians die from maladies, accidents, or whatever causes -- will you doubt the great wisdom of YEHOVAH God and forsake Him? Or will you remain loyal and steadfast? This is a test some of us may face.

Remember, YEHOVAH does not pervert judgment, nor does He make mistakes. He is without iniquity. He's always in control, but He does test those He loves, to make us perfect.

Psalm 116:15 says: "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints." YEHOVAH rejoices when His people have progressed to the point that they are qualified for a job in His Kingdom. True faith is knowing that YEHOVAH God will not allow this to happen until we reach that "right moment" in our pilgrimage here on earth.

7). A supreme, final test. Of all the reasons why YEHOVAH God allows death, this is probably the most significant! When one is willing to forego his life in whatever way YEHOVAH God chooses, or for whatever purpose it serves in His Work, he has passed his greatest earthly test. There is none greater! Yeshua the Messiah said: "...whosoever will lose his life for my [the Messiah's] sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:25).

At baptism, we should have counted the cost and resolved upon a covenant with YEHOVAH God to be loyal to death. We said in our hearts, "I will be true to the nth degree dedicating my life to you in whatever capacity you decide to use it." Did we really mean it?

Sometimes YEHOVAH will use the forge and fire of tragedy to fashion us into tools fitting for the eternal purpose He has ahead! "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with FIRE, might be found unto praise and honor, and GLORY at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (I Peter 1:7).

In the face of death, YEHOVAH's sons and daughters realize their lives are only a flicker -- and their true hope lies only in YEHOVAH God. All the inconsequential trappings of life melt away. Death dissolves man's emphasis on the fleeting, material aspects of this world.

Proverbs 14:32 says "...the righteous hath HOPE in his death." Do YOU have hope? Can you trust YEHOVAH God with your life to the very end?

When a Christian dies in faith, obeying YEHOVAH God, he is indeed passing the greatest test that can ever confront a man, thus, guaranteeing his eternal reward.

Now, do these many points just mentioned contradict the many promises in YEHOVAH's Word concerning healing, protection from harm, or the watchfulness of His angels over our lives? Can you still trust YEHOVAH God even though you realize He might at some time let you die?

YEHOVAH God WILL keep His promises to heal and deliver and protect until we have fulfilled our earthly purpose, and qualified to rule in His glorious Kingdom! Death cannot overrule the power of YEHOVAH God, and upset His plan. It cannot snatch us from YEHOVAH before He decided it's time!

Noah did not die in the flood, even though the vast majority of people in the land did. It wasn't his time. David was exposed to death on numerous occasions, but he was spared. The three friends of Daniel who were cast into the fiery furnace weren't consumed. It wasn't their time. Over and over in the life of the Messiah we read how he escaped from murderers for "his hour was not yet come" (John 7:30). Paul speaks of his many sufferings and persecutions. He was exposed to death often, but he did not die until YEHOVAH God allowed it.

The righteous do not fear death -- they have confidence they will live as long as their lives are serving YEHOVAH God's purpose.

As long as you're walking with YEHOVAH God, no one can take you from His love and care. Satan the devil has no authority on his own to harm or hurt you. You are protected. Death won't strike prematurely. You can live and be healed 1,000 times if necessary! But, when YEHOVAH GOD does determine to allow you to die -- because He knows you are ready or the time in His purpose is fulfilled -- you'll never have to fear death!

Hope of Israel Ministries -- Proclaiming the Good News of the Soon-Coming Kingdom of YEHOVAH God Here On This Earth!

Hope of Israel Ministries
P.O. Box 853
Azusa, CA 91702, U.S.A.
www.hope-of-israel.org

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