“Sleep” & “Death”

Ever notice how the words “sleep” and death” are used in scripture? They seem to have, in certain instances, a different meaning than that usually given them. A spiritual rather than physical meaning. When Jesus goes to raise Lazarus He says that Lazarus is asleep and that He’s going to wake him. When He raises the little twelve-year-old girl who had just died He tells everyone that she isn’t dead but just sleeping. Paul also speaks of believers who are sleeping. In all of these instances its obvious to the folks there, and to us here, that the people involved are dead. Physically dead anyway. But the word “death” is used in reference to the dead as well. And it’s also used in speaking of the living. Physically living that is. Remember what Jesus told the man who wanted to follow Him but asked permission to go bury his father first? “Let the dead bury the dead.” So what goes here? I think its easy once a simple distinction is made. And this is just my opinion (I did have help, see below.) but try reading the scriptures with these thoughts in mind … Lazarus and that little girl? They died in God’s grace. They were right with God. So they weren’t really dead but just “asleep” and waiting to be raised (or woke up). The others? They were dead in mortal sin, separated from God due to their sins. It doesn’t matter if they’re alive or dead physically. They are dead in spirit, away from God. Read the Bible with this in mind and see what clarity, what insights are available. It opens up in new and wonderful ways. And those folks dead in sin? Remember that we were all there once. There is hope for them so long as there is breath in the body. And the above thoughts? Hey, not mine. I listen to Mother Angelica a lot and go from there. 😉