Both of my parents passed away in the month of April, which means that the anniversaries of their deaths are always close to Easter. I find it to be a comfort that when I remember their deaths, I am also reminded of their eternal life.
The apostle Paul addressed the grief of the Thessalonian community regarding the deaths of those they loved. The people were fearful that those who died before the return of the Lord were lost forever, and so Paul wrote these words:
But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel’s call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first; then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Certainly, Paul was not suggesting that people shouldn’t grieve over the deaths of their loved ones, but that they shouldn’t grieve in the way people grieve who have no hope. Because Christ was crucified, died and was buried, and then was raised to life – we have the hope and assurance of eternal life. This juxtaposition of grief with hope, even in the face of death, is an important concept for our lives. There will be times in life where we have worries and concerns that are normal human reactions to situations in which we find ourselves. But, we should not worry in the way that people do who have no hope. Christ is always present in our lives and loves us. No matter the circumstances we are dealing with, we aren’t alone, God is with us.
Clinging to hope is a way of giving up despair. We never have to lose hope in life – even when we are dealing with the death of a loved one.
I still miss my Mom and Dad, but I have the assurance of knowing that they are with God and that someday we’ll be reunited. Lent is a time to remember the things we can give up to better realize the love that Christ has for us. It’s a great time to give up any sense of hopelessness you might be feeling and embrace the presence of God in your life.
Dr. Bob Long, Senior Pastor
