Death is a hard thing to grasp. And something I don't think any human will be able to fully understand. In the past couple weeks some of my closest friends have had to deal with the loss of their father and now hearing about the tragic death of our friend Rebekah has really made me think.
How often so many of us take for granted life, the life of a loved one or friend. Life is a gift, something so fragile and precious. Then my mind started thinking even deeper about how important it is to enjoy every second of someone's life because you never know when God is going to call them home. It's so easy to say "See ya later!" to someone, but you never know, that could be the last time you have the opportunity of seeing, embracing and talking to that person.
When I think about death my first thought is "why?" and I feel like so many of us ask that very question when a loved one leaves this earth. Now, this blog is not intended to be a "preaching at you" type of thing. But in all seriousness, I can't imagine trying to deal with the loss of a loved one or friend without the hope that is found in Jesus knowing that in Him we have eternal life. I mean lets be real, it REALLY hurts seeing a close relative or friend die, it hurts seeing friends and family mourn the loss of a close relative or friend.
Death causes a deep emotion inside you that initiates thoughts like "it's not supposed to be like this... What if???...My world was normal one minute and now it's completely upside-down." It makes everything else around us seem small and insignificant compared to the loss and heartache we feel. And how easy is it to blame God and be angry at Him, the one who created that persons life in the first place to then suddenly take it away!! We question His authority and justice and ask WHY!? We question our faith and wonder where was God when all this happened, why didn't He save them!? But please, let me assure you... God...is...Love....
I know, it's hard to just be okay with a death. It's hard to find comfort in the "just remember the good times..." or that one line people always say "They are in a better place!" I mean, seriously how is that comforting? Well, if you really think about the truth that we can find in the Bible it really can be. It's okay to hurt, I mean Jesus wept when He saw how much Lazarus's death hurt his sisters. And I strongly believe that He weeps alongside those who are experience the loss of a loved one. But see, with Christ we find hope because He has victory over death. Earth is NOT our home. He has prepared a place for those who have put their trust in Him. Romans 10:9-10 tells us "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved."
All of that to say, it's okay to hurt, it's okay to be angry and ask why, and it's okay to admit that knowing the truth doesn't necessarily make it so the pain we feel is any less. However, our hope in the resurrection can be our foundation for joy and excitement knowing that one day, we too will be reunited with our loved ones who have put the same hope and faith in Jesus Christ.
So here is to the precious lives of our dear friends Greg and Rebekah.
To Greg, a husband, father, grandpa, friend and brother in Christ, thank you for the amazing example you set. You touched the lives of many and are a blessing to all you've come around. You Sir, truly were an inspiration to so many. Your love for your family and most of all your Savior was undeniable. You are missed and loved so much, but I praise God that your family and brothers and sisters in Christ will be reunited with you again.
To Rebekah, a daughter, sister, friend and sister in Christ, thank you for always seeing the positive in any situation. You always had the ability to put a smile on anyone's face and bring laughter to a silent room. You too my friend will be missed. But one day, we too will meet again.
John 14:1-4 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”
