- And Jesus said to him, “assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:43 NKJV
When someone you love is gone as a Christian we believe and realize they were called home to be with our Father in heaven. We rejoice over that, but our hearts break in the process of the realization.
As Christians we know and believe the promises of Jesus Christ, “Assuredly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”Luke 23:43 We know that is the truth. We also know that He has never left us. As he so emphatically and lovingly stated, “and lo I am with you always even until the end of the age.”Matthew 28:20
So we know all of this…and yet we still ache when a loved one leaves. It can be intolerable for some. Each individual handling it in their own way. Mourning is something most of us will have to face at some point in our lives. But what an amazing thing to have God in our lives…to guide us and comfort us. Jesus’ words are very penetrating, “ Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:3-4
I cannot even imagine those who do not have “faith” or believe in God. How do they get through it? When you are trying to comfort someone whose heart is shattered and their very being crushed…how do we as Christians handle it? By praying to the Holy Spirit for guidance to say and do the right things. By being there for that friend, family member, individual standing in Jesus’ love and conviction of comfort.
A very dear friend of ours passed away today. This couple was a vital part of our lives in terms of socializing and being fellow Christians. The two of them were a team from the start, and generous and kind towards all their friends…and people in general. And, most important they were fun and full of life. They ministered “life” and “love” to their friends, family and acquaintances. All part of Jesus’ ministry…Life and love.
This man was a funny and wise cracking individual who loved to tease his good friends. But, always in a kind and delightful way that was inimitably “him.” The wife is a soft spoken kind woman, who doted on his every word and loved him so much. He of course loved her as evidenced by after 19 years of marriage still referred to her as his ” bride.”
This gentleman went through so much in terms of health in the past 4 years…yet always had a smile and was filled with encouragement. He never complained or lost his faith in the Lord. Nor did the wife. They were just an oustanding couple and helped so many people during their marriage…with words, actions and numerous other ways. “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
After a courageous battle for his life this past month, he passed away today. The wife is crushed and her heart broken…but I know she is rejoicing that he is no longer suffering and he is now in heaven with his Father. I ask that the Lord place his arms around her and comfort her during this time. And that the Lord will send laborers her way to help with tasks and other issues of concern. As He has in the past. The Lord sent helpers their way all along. Praise God, be glorified Father.
I know you ushered him home today and took him in your arms and said, ” Welcome home. Good job my son…good job.”
Good bye dear old friend,and be on your way
to the Lord your God who called you home today.
We will miss you so much…but we will see you again one day in the future.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
Psalm 48:14
For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.
Isaiah 40:18-31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
John 14:1-4
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.