Of the 1224 pages in War and Peace, I remember one scene well. That’s not a good percentage, is it? I’m glad I don’t get tested on my bedtime reading material.
What scene was so important that I remember it? Prince Andrei was surveying the troops and battlefield before an engagement with Napoleon’s army. Suddenly, he tuned into the voices of officers in the lean-to nearby.
“I say that if it were possible to know what there will be after death, none of us would be afraid of death.”
“Afraid or not, all the same you can’t avoid it.”
“But you’re still afraid!”
Imagine for a moment preparing for battle, the kind of battle they had 200 years ago. Infantry and cavalry charges. Bayonets. Blood and gore. Imagine being in the front lines with bullets speeding toward you.
“If it were possible to know what there will be after death, none of us would be afraid of death.” If it were possible…
It is possible, but only in Christ.
Good Christian men, rejoice
With heart and soul and voice
Now ye need not fear the grave:
Peace! Peace!
Jesus Christ was born to save
Calls you one and calls you all
To gain His everlasting hall
Christ was born to save
Christ was born to save
A Latin hymn, translated by John Mason Neale
I do not know how those who do not know Christ are able to face death. You have captured THE dilemma of nonbelievers. Yet, we who believe do rejoice. :)
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