As we wake up in the arms of our loved ones and in our warm homes, there are many today in the Northern part of Nigeria who will be unable to feel these little pleasures of life this morning and for many other mornings. A senseless war ongoing in these parts is steadily obliterating livelihoods and families, creating a refugee crisis and poverty. Today I welcome you to the house of mourning, as I bring God’s comforting words to those (and we all) who mourn today.
But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
We will see them again. The scripture above comforts us with the hope of seeing our loved ones who have died in the Lord. The key word there is ‘died in the Lord.’ The pain of separation is intense and it is best to take it one day at a time, but we cannot mourn like we have no hope. The message translation says we shouldn’t carry on like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word! If you read all the way down to verse 18, it gives you a further assurance of the resurrection of the dead at the second coming of Jesus Christ. This has been my consolation and comfort.
Jesus knows and feels our grief. Remember that the Lord knows exactly what we are passing through and walks this journey of mourning with us, assuring us of His unfailing love and His comforting Spirit. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 4: 15 that Jesus is in touch with our emotions. He understands and has gone through these various situations. He knows exactly what you are going through.
Lastly, you are a vessel to be used by God. 2 Corinthians 1: 4-5 (MSG) says, ”God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.”
