After my post Sunday on Why Do Christians Dread Death?, this poem came to mind. I wished I had thought of it in time for my post. But maybe it was for the best since that post was quite long already.

Yet, as it has been on my heart, and we’ve already talked about death this week, I thought I’d go ahead and share this poem again. I’ve shared it before. I don’t remember where I first saw it–I think in something of Elisabeth Elliot’s. But it has been comfort to me. I pray it might also be encouraging to those who know God and create a longing in those who don’t know God to believe on Him.

It was written by a missionary named E.H. Hamilton after he heard that his friend and colleague, Jack Vinson, had been martyred and had fearlessly told his captors that if they killed him, he would go straight to God.

Afraid? Of what?
To feel the spirit’s glad release?
To pass from pain to perfect peace,
The strife and strain of life to cease?
Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?
Afraid to see the Saviour’s face,
To hear His welcome, and to trace,
The glory gleam from wounds of grace,
Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?
A flash – a crash – a pierced heart;
Brief darkness – Light – O Heaven’s art!
A wound of His a counterpart!
Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?
To enter into Heaven’s rest,
And yet to serve the Master blessed?
From service good to service best?
Afraid? Of that?

Afraid? Of what?
To do by death what life could not –
Baptize with blood a stony plot,
Till souls shall blossom from the spot?
Afraid? Of that?