When people you love die, it hurts. In the immediate aftermath of the death it hurts, long-term it hurts. This past week a friend died. As I recently wrote him my final email to him, I found myself in tears. My mind walked down roads of memory – first one place than a next. Situations, locations, conversation, laughs, and prayer. As I reflected and walked those roads, I already had a sense of loneliness. Although the memories are sweet, there is no longer that other person there with whom to smile, reflect, talk, and reminisce about them. In that sense, the road feels lonely and abandoned.
However, as a Christian, my mind cannot stop here. There is more to death than just loneliness. Because of Jesus Christ and the testimony of the Bible, we have a comfort and hope that changes memory road from loneliness and abandonment to anticipation and hope.
Be Encouraged in God’s Future Plans.
The Apostle Paul helps us think accurately and sorrow intelligently. He writes:
13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
Paul changes our perspective about death. He reminds us that those who are asleep in Christ on earth, are with Christ in heaven. When Christ comes in the future, He will bring those who have died in Christ with Him. He points us to the future. Jesus will reunite us. There is a day of reunion coming.
However, a reunion with our dear one who has died is not the only thing that brings us encouragement. We also will enjoy Christ together.
Receive Comfort and Hope
If today you have lost a friend or loved one, be encouraged. He or she is not truly lost. He or she still lives. When Christ returns, they will be together. More alive than ever. If you die before He returns, you will enjoy each other in heaven together with Christ forever.
