The Standard January 27, 2024
In the United States, January is the deadliest month. Typically, other than in places with tropical or temperate climates, the coldest weeks of the year are the most deadly. It seems, however, that an unusual number of our neighbors and close friends have lost loved ones in the past four months. It is heartbreaking to see them mourn the death of a parent, parental figure, child, or sibling.
For those left behind, death can hurt like nothing else. The emptiness caused by missing that irreplaceable, beloved someone feels physical at times. It makes sense that, in experiencing this kind of profound grief, losing someone seems so unusual or even unnatural. Physical death is a result of human brokenness—a rift between God and people, which was caused by sin.
“For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:21-26)
Death is an enemy. We don’t have to pretend that it is okay or that it doesn’t hurt. Thank God, it will not be a forever reality.
“’Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:54b-58)
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’” (Revelation 21:3-5a)
For now, we mourn, cry and feel pain, despite gratefulness for joyful memories. We grieve as those with hope. May we pray these beautiful words spoken at so many funerals.
“O God, who gave us birth, you are ever more ready to hear than we are to pray. You know our needs before we ask, and our ignorance in asking. Give to us now your grace, that as we shrink before the mystery of death, we may see the light of eternity. Speak to us once more your solemn message of life and of death. Help us to live as those who are prepared to die. And when our days here are accomplished, enable us to die as those who go forth to live, so that living or dying, our life may be in you, and that nothing in life or in death will be able to separate us from your great love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.”
celiastone 