Generations come and go. Future generations are oblivious to the loves and sorrows of those that passed. We must not think that our griefs are unique or harder to bear. They are not.
Parents who lose children are broken-hearted regardless of whether they lived in the 1st Century or the 21st Century. We read in the 7th Chapter of Luke the account of a widow who lost her only son. She was left alone in the world. Her grief was terrible -- so much so that Jesus had compassion for her and returned her son to her. Jairus' grief about his dying daughter utterly broke his heart. The lofty ruler of the synagogue was so desperate to save her he threw himself at the feet of Jesus and begged for help to save his only daughter. (Luke 8.41-42). The child died (verse 49). Jesus raised the child back to life to the astonishment of her parents (verse 54, & 56).
What about the Virgin Mary's grief at Christ's crucifixion? Who would dare to say their personal grief is worse than that suffered by Mary watching the blessed fruit of her womb being crucified?!
Although your sorrow at the loss of a loved-one may seem to great to be endured, your pain is not unique to the human experience. I know this does not make your grief less excruciating.
What's my point? For those who know Jesus Christ, our consolation lies in the hope that our present bitter separation of death will be dwarfed by the resurrection joy that the holy Scriptures promise. We refer to the resurrection of the body each time we proclaim the Apostles' Creed. Body and soul will be reunited at the final resurrection. This has been a great comfort to me and, I hope, dear Christian brother or sister, you find comfort in such knowledge too.
God knows your pain and is aware of every tear you shed. Cling to the promise God gave to St. John the Apostle on the Isle of Patmos. John wrote:
" I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them (as their God). He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, (for) the old order has passed away.” The one who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then he said, “Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true.” He said to me, “They are accomplished. I (am) the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water. The victor will inherit these gifts, and I shall be his God, and he will be my son."[1] -- Revelation 21.3-7
Although your sorrow at the loss of a loved-one may seem to great to be endured, your pain is not unique to the human experience. I know this does not make your grief less excruciating.
" I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them (as their God). He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, (for) the old order has passed away.” The one who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” Then he said, “Write these words down, for they are trustworthy and true.” He said to me, “They are accomplished. I (am) the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give a gift from the spring of life-giving water. The victor will inherit these gifts, and I shall be his God, and he will be my son."[1] -- Revelation 21.3-7
At the resurrection, faith will be be absorbed into the final reality and joy of heaven. Our hope will be fulfilled. All that will remain will be divine and perfect love (cf. 1Corinthians 13.12-13).
Dear mourner, let the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) comfort. (See John 14.16). Open your heart to Christ, let the Holy Spirit lead you. It won't be long before your sorrow will turn to joy.
Mark
[1] The Gospel of John refers to Christians' spiritual adoption as children of God, through faith in Jesus Christ. (See John 1.12.)
0 comments:
Post a Comment