THE STENCH OF DEATH

I rented a building for my business, which was in the middle of downtown--adjacent to the ghost of a forgotten railroad path from long ago.  The building was  built over a drainage ditch and on the edge of a field of high weeds.  The perfect set up for rodents looking for a safe home in between their nightly rounds of the restaurant garbage bins.  


One of the nasty little furry creatures drug his dying body back to his den under the building and died.  Our first clue to the dearly departed was the smell.  It began as a scant whiff of stink, but in the hot days to come it grew.  Over the period of a week, the stench would knock you over as you entered the door.  It became so pervasive you could taste the smell.  The aftermath of death is decay and stink so rank it would curl the hairs on your head.  All those years ago, and I still recall the stench of death.


I am reading through Revelations again.  As I read the chapter about the two witnesses who were martyred and left for public viewing for 3 1/2 days  the stink of death invaded my thoughts.  There was a great celebration by all the world over their death--to the point of sending each other gifts in celebration.  BUT GOD-

After 3 1/2 days--and God breathed life entered them---they stood and God called to them from Heaven--"Come up here".  The stench of death was removed and they were resurrected and lifted to their heavenly home.  No more stink--no more decay--only the sweet smell of resurrection.  What a beautiful picture of the victory over death and the decay and stench involved.  Jesus!

"But after three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet."
Revelations 11:11

6 comments

  1. Wonderful thoughtful post, Lulu. Thank you.

    You'll recall the story when Jesus' friend Lazarus died. Jesus waited three days before he went to where Lazarus was buried. Why?

    It is said that at the time, Jesus had resurrected other people from death, but the unbelieving Pharisees and Saducees spread a rumour that those people were not dead but in a coma. So, in Lazarus caes, Jesus waited for three days, so that the body would have been buried and, in the heat, would have started to decompose and smell. In fact, when He arrived at the grave He was told the body would smell. There would be no doubt that Lazarus is dead. And through the power of God, Jesus brought him back to life.

    God bless.

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    1. What a wonderful Savior we serve!
      Blessings, Victor!

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  2. As a hunter, I know what you mean about the stench of death. It's not pretty.
    There's a good lesson there. I'm gonna have to read Revelations again. I usually don't read it because it's not meant for us in this "age of grace."
    BTW, ever notice that when God want's to make a point, He uses or sends two witnesses. It's just one of many signs that He is in charge of whatever event is transpiring.
    Hope your day is blessed. ~:)

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  3. Good point, Sparky. It had bed a while since I read Revelations too. As I've read through it I was pondering what it would be like to witness the end times. Truly thankful for grace!
    Blessings!

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  4. Revelations is one of my favorites...thank you Lulu...Blessings

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    1. Enjoy your weekend, Linda!
      Blessings to you!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!