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The focus of this series is the biblical teaching on life, death, love and suffering as they relate to euthanasia. The readings in these devotions cover all these areas, but are broken up into three weeks in line with the three parts of the series: the biblical position on euthanasia, secular objections to that position, and how we can prepare for a ‘good death’ of our own. There are only 5 devotions each week, so you won’t fall behind if you miss a day or two. You can also download these readings in PDF format. |
Before you read the passage each day, you could also pray the special prayer for this series:
Oh Lord, death and suffering lie open before you – how much more my own heart! You know my anxious thoughts – so on this difficult topic will you grant me right thinking, humble speaking, and faithful living? In the face of death I put my trust in the name of the Lord Jesus, and his death for me. Amen.
The Biblical Position
| Day | Passage | Meditation | Pray for: |
|
1 |
Rom 8:18-30 | How does suffering fit into the plans of God? | A clear, biblical understanding of death and suffering |
|
2 |
Gen 9:1-7 | What reasons does God give for treating life responsibly? | Comfort for those recently touched by death and disaster |
|
3 |
2 Sam 1:1-16 | What do you think of the man’s reasons for killing Saul? | Opportunities to minister to others who are suffering |
|
4 |
1 Peter 4:12-19 | How could someone ever rejoice in the middle of suffering? | State and federal law-makers who have a say on euthanasia and on funding for aged and palliative care |
|
5 |
Heb 12:1-11 | Why would God willingly put us through suffering? | Aged people you know who are in difficult circumstances |
The Secular Objections
| Day | Passage | Meditation | Pray for: |
|
1 |
Luke 12:15-31 | What misunderstandings about life does Jesus warn against? | Wisdom in discussing euthanasia with friends & workmates etc. |
|
2 |
Job 2:1-10 | What’s the difference between Job’s attitude and his wife’s? | Forgiveness for any wrong cultural attitudes you have found yourself going along with |
|
3 |
Lev 19:32-37 | How does God’s model of love expose the narrowness of love in our society? | Strength to treat people with dignity despite their circumstances |
|
4 |
Prov 31:10-31 | Where does the noble woman’s dignity come from in this passage? | Fair coverage of Christian leaders in the press on euthanasia |
|
5 |
Job 7:9-21 | What is right and what is wrong about Job’s complaints to God? (see Job 42) | Severely disabled people you know and their carers |
Preparing for Death
| Day | Passage | Meditation | Pray for: |
|
1 |
Phil 1:18b-30 | If death is better, why does Paul decide he should keep living? | Courage to live for others and not for your own preferences |
|
2 |
1 Cor 15:14-20 | How is Jesus’ death and resurrection important for our attitude to life and death? | Praise God’s great work in defeating death at the cross |
|
3 |
Eccles 12 | What is the Teacher’s advice in preparing for old age? | God to refine and discipline you now in preparation for hard choices later |
|
4 |
James 4:13-17 | How should knowledge of our mortality affect your life now? | Christians facing death for their faith in places hostile to Christianity |
|
5 |
Rev 20:13-21:7 | What encouragement does this picture give you for life now? | An opportunity this week to share the Christian hope beyond death |
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