2003-08-28 - Times & Seasons

Eccl 3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance. (NAS)

During the past week two people I know have lost close relatives.

One of my co-workers lost his grandfather. His passing was not unexpected. He was well up in years and had been in declining health. I could tell as his grandson told me stories about their relationship over the years that he would be deeply missed. There were several special moments recounted. The second was a professional friend who lost her sister. I'm sure there are just as many stories to tell given the opportunity. I'm equally sure she will be missed.

Right now the stories are told with fond remembrance. One memorial service was held today. The other will happen in the next few days. There will be times for tears as the reality of their loss reaches their hearts. There will be mourning and sadness.

Over the next few days there will be more stories told; more memories recalled and shared. Some will be funny and there will be laughter. And as time passes there will be joy in the realization of lives well spent with friends, family and neighbors - in things done for others and things accomplished. Hearts will dance even if feet do not.

Their is comfort in knowing that suffering from a disease or injury has ended. There is relief in knowing that the infirmity of age has finally released a loved one. But there is a powerful rest in knowing with certainty that the release has given way to eternity in Heaven and that you will meet again. In that certainty the separation is not forever. The power of death and its darkness is shattered.

John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. ² In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (KJV)

Can this kind of certainty be know? Jesus promised that He would meet His children, those who have accepted Him as their Savior from sin, when we die. The Creator of the Universe will come and meet us rather than waiting for us to come to Him. That is an indication of how much He loves us and wants to spend time with us. He died on the cross to make a way to Heaven for us when we could not get their any other way. A promise from the Lord who created the stars with the power of a word is sure.

John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. ¹⁷ "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him. (NAS)

Help us be a comfort to people around us in difficult days. Let Your grace move through our actions and speak volumes to those who have never heard the good news of Salvation. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Mike

mhoskins@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org