For days when it seems like sickness and death are winning

Yesterday, I mentioned I was preparing notes on the “Consummation: Shalom Fully Restored” chapter of Learning God’s Story of Grace. I don’t want to blow the ending of the Bible if you haven’t read it, but I’ll give you a hint – it’s really good. Read it for yourself in Revelation 21 and 22. In short, it is the hope of the new heavens and new earth that has sustained many of us through the sorrow that has rolled like sea billows this week.

After posting Piper’s remarks on healing yesterday, I received news that broke our church family’s heart. A beloved 20-year-old had not woken up that morning. Another son has died. (The second time in 5 weeks our youngest son has heard this news about someone dear to him). This morning, I read the comments on Facebook. Hundreds of messages full of sorrow, kindness, love, and hope are recorded there. The mom and dad are the same tender and wise Sunday School teachers who grieved so beautifully with our son just weeks ago as he and his friends mourned the inexplicable death of their young 16-year-old friend. Their generous responses to the comments taught me a lesson in good grief:

The mom speaks for many moms,“On Christ the solid Rock I stand! Sometimes there are just no words, just HIM! Our love to all of you during this difficult time! Thank you for your prayers! We feel God’s strength!” Words are scarce; the Rock is solid.

The dad brings it home with his thoughts, “We lost a son, a brother and a best friend today. (Our son) was a person so full of smiles, wit and sincerity in every emotion he ever felt, right or wrong. He will be missed in a way that we may not yet completely understand. There is a vacuum in my heart right now, BUT…there is nothing trite about God’s divine plan; nothing old fashioned about leaning “on the promises”. We are mourning and grieving at our loss, but faithful in our Lord and a mighty reunion that we will celebrate. [Son], I can’t wait to run and laugh with you again.”

‘There is nothing trite about God’s divine plan; nothing old fashioned about leaning ‘on the promises.’ INDEED. We do not grieve as those who have no hope (I Thess. 4:13). Rather, we grieve as those who look to the day when God will wipe every tear from every eye. In that day, “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev. 21:4)

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you teach us in our inmost beings how to be well even when the sorrows flow seemingly unceasingly. Help us to remember your kindness, faithfulness, and gospel grace in every hard moment of the coming days, weeks, and months. Thank you that while we may forget, you never will. Thank you for the hope we have in heaven, and may those who have no such hope come to see the power of your love to bring peace. In the name of your precious Son, Jesus we pray. Amen