“Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice”– John 5:28
It was a bright afternoon, the sun was beaming through the kitchen window while the kids played with dolls and matchbox cars on the living room floor. Just as she finished wiping the last dish, the doorbell rang. She had a little bounce in her step because it was such a beautiful day, she danced over the kids toys as she reached for the door handle. Pulling back the heavy oak door, she finds a local Sherriff and the Pastor from the church down the street, standing on her porch. It was one of those moments when time stands still, and instinctively she knew it was bad news. Her hand goes limp and the dish falls from her hand crashing to the floor. She began to collapse and was caught by the Sherriff, in a gentle embrace. “We’re so very sorry. There was an accident, he was killed instantly. We need you to come and identify him.”We go through life knowing without a doubt that there will come a day when we receive a similar knock on the door. There is nothing in this world that can prepare a person for this news. When the world crashes down from the loss of a loved one, there is a flood of emotions that overwhelm a person. These include anger, sadness, depression, hopelessness and pain. The pain seems like a knife cutting through one’s heart. In this life we are emotionally tied to one another through our experiences. When one that we love is taken from us it is first and foremost a forced change in our life. From what was comfortable and full of joy, immediately becomes empty and filled with questions of uncertainty.
In this circumstance, we can all come to the aid of those in need and bring them comfort, a shoulder to cry on and help them focus on the future. Then the bereaved have to retreat to their own life and live every day dwelling on the memories and the loss. God tells us throughout His scriptures that we are to trust and rely on Him, He will carry us when we are hurting. Some people have a hard time grabbing a hold of God’s hand during this time, because it isn’t there physically. As humans we need touch and a warm embrace to know that someone else cares. How do we help someone know that God is there as the comforter and provider when all seems lost?
The scriptures remind us of His love. He reminds us that this life is temporary and that we are all destined for a better life with Him. God promises to take those believers that have passed away to eternity upon Christ’s return. This provides reassurance to the family that there is hope. In heaven there are no tears, no crying and no sadness. We are in the presence of God Almighty without shame or guilt of sin because sin does not exist there. The comfort for the living, when one passes away, will not eliminate the sadness nor the emotions of missing them; but it will provide the truth of the reunion that will happen one day. In addition, it provides strength to tell others about the ultimate love of God the Father to save us from ourselves. For in John 3:18 it states that “… whoever does not believe stands condemned already.”
This is where the experience can lead when these tragedies happen. We are to use them as the opportunity to reach others on His behalf. I know it sounds impossible, but it is the one area where we all, every single person, have commonality. We will all die, and in death we have only one of two places to end up. The choice is upon each of us to decide where that will be, and this is not a decision that can be made afterwards. We all will be judged and this cannot be avoided. God’s desire is for ALL mankind to join Him in His perfect eternity, but some will choose otherwise for one reason or another. Today, you need to have this conversation with your loved ones to ensure that they are ready and that they know you are ready. Should anything happen there will be comfort in knowing that the deceased is resting with the Lord.
Prayer:
Loving Father,
You have provided for us the assurance that to each is determined one life to live and one day to die. Help us to be filled with Your wisdom as we bring comfort to others struggling with the loss of a loved one. Let Your words of peace and love be upon our lips. In Your name we pray – Amen
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