June 30. At the Point of Death
J.R. Miller teaches that the inevitability of death should drive believers to seek Christ earnestly and prepare their hearts for eternity.
In this devotional sermon, J.R. Miller reflects on the story of Jairus and his daughter at the point of death, emphasizing the inevitability of death and the spiritual urgency it creates. Miller encourages believers to view trials as opportunities to draw nearer to Christ and to prepare their hearts for the final transition. Through compassionate teaching, he reminds listeners that faith and trust in Jesus are essential in the face of life’s greatest challenges.
Text
"One of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at His feet and kept begging Him: My little daughter is at the point of death!" Mark 5:22-23
There is nothing like trouble — to drive people to Christ. So long as things go on prosperously, many men do not ask any favors of Him; but when sickness or great need comes — He is the first to whom they turn. This is one of the most obvious uses of trouble. God stirs up many an earthly nest in which his children are reposing to softly — that they may be compelled to try heavenward flights. There are many in Heaven now, who would never have left the old earthly life — had not God sent troubles, sorrows, and adversities.
This father said his little daughter was "at the point of death." This is one point to which everyone must come. The paths of earth run in very diverse ways — but they all pass at last the "point of death." It is a point that lies hidden from view; no one knows the day of the hour when he will come to it — and yet somewhere along the sunny years, it waits for every one. Sometimes this point is struck in early youth. Here it is a little girl of twelve, who lies "at the point of death." Even children should think about dying, not as a sad and terrible thing — but as a point to which they must eventually come, and for which they should prepare.
It is a touching sight to see this father falling at Christ\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Reality of Trouble
- Trouble drives people to Christ
- Prosperity often delays seeking God
- Adversity compels spiritual growth
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II. The Point of Death
- Everyone must face death
- Death is often unexpected
- Even children should prepare for death
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III. Turning to Christ in Desperation
- Jairus’s example of faith
- Falling at Jesus’ feet as a symbol of surrender
- Christ’s compassion for those in need
Key Quotes
“There is nothing like trouble — to drive people to Christ.” — J.R. Miller
“The paths of earth run in very diverse ways — but they all pass at last the 'point of death.'” — J.R. Miller
“Even children should think about dying, not as a sad and terrible thing — but as a point to which they must eventually come, and for which they should prepare.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Turn to Christ immediately in times of trouble instead of waiting for prosperity.
- Reflect regularly on the reality of death to maintain spiritual readiness.
- Encourage children and others to understand death as a natural part of life and prepare their hearts accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does trouble often lead people to Christ?
Trouble exposes human weakness and drives people to seek divine help and comfort in Christ.
What does it mean to be 'at the point of death'?
It refers to the critical moment when life is near its end, a reality everyone must eventually face.
How should children view death according to the sermon?
Children should see death not as something fearful but as a natural point for which they should spiritually prepare.
What lesson does Jairus’s story teach about faith?
It shows the importance of humble, persistent faith and turning to Jesus in times of great need.
How does God use adversity in believers’ lives?
God uses adversity to awaken faith, encourage dependence on Him, and prepare believers for eternal life.