PRECIOUS IN GOD’S SIGHT

JUNE 11

Psalm 116

Psalm 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”

Death. We do everything we can to avoid it. In my work as a hospice chaplain, I’ve witnessed again and again how death disrupts lives and brings deep sorrow to those left behind. It is often preceded by the slow loss of health and vitality, accompanied by painful goodbyes, the letting go of freedom, the abandonment of dreams, and finally, separation from loved ones. In light of all this, how can something so painful ever be called precious?

Yet Scripture tells us, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15). What we see as a tragic ending, God sees as a sacred homecoming. For those who belong to Him, death is not a defeat—it is the triumphant passage into His eternal presence. It is precious, not because of the pain it brings, but because of the homecoming it represents.  In death, the victory won at the cross meets with its triumphant intent. The God who numbers our days does not view the final one with indifference. He calls it precious.

The Apostle Paul wrestled with this reality too. Facing the possibility of death, he wrote, “I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body” (Philippians 1:23–24). To Paul, leaving this life meant being with Jesus—a far better and glorious reality. Yet he also recognized the importance of living on to serve others.

For the believer, this changes everything. Grief is still real, but it is no longer hopeless. We mourn, but not as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). When that final breath comes, it is not the end—it constitutes moving an eternal home where sorrow and pain and death and sin exist no more; a glorious transformation where our lowly bodies are transformed into conformity with Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:1, Philippians 3:21).

In moments of fear or sadness about death—whether for yourself or a loved one—remember that death for the believer is not the final chapter, but a transition into God’s eternal presence. This truth can bring peace amid grief and hope beyond loss. Consider how this hope shapes the way you live today, encouraging you to not fear death, but to trust God in his promises as you set your “mind on things above, not on things that are on the earth” (Colossians 3:2).

“For the Christian, death is the doorway to joy. It is precious because it means going home to the presence of God, where suffering and pain are no more.” — John Piper

Application Questions: How does knowing that the death of God’s saints is precious in His sight change your perspective on loss and grief? How can Paul’s perspective—that being with Jesus is very much better—help to mold your perspective as you confront the reality of death?

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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