The Weekly Encourager – February 19, 2014 – Surprised by Hope
We don't grieve as unbelievers do. We grieve with hope! I was sad for days leading up to the funeral service for Anne Falbo, a dear lady and the mother of Linda, a friend from church. I wondered how I would have any comfort to offer Linda and the family. But on the morning of the service, Linda sent the following:
Something from Charles Spurgeon to cheer us this morning.
"The hour is approaching when the message will come to us, as it comes to all—'Arise, and go forth from the home in which thou hast dwelt, from the city in which thou hast done thy business, from thy family, from thy friends. Arise, and take thy last journey.' And what know we of the journey? And what know we of the country to which we are bound? A little we have read thereof, and somewhat has been revealed to us by the Spirit; but how little do we know of the realms of the future! We know that there is a black and stormy river called 'Death.' God bids us cross it, promising to be with us. And, after death, what cometh? What wonder-world will open upon our astonished sight? What scene of glory will be unfolded to our view? No traveler has ever returned to tell. But we know enough of the heavenly land to make us welcome our summons thither with joy and gladness. The journey of death may be dark, but we may go forth on it fearlessly, knowing that God is with us as we walk through the gloomy valley, and therefore we need fear no evil. We shall be departing from all we have known and loved here, but we shall be going to our Father's house—to our Father's home, where Jesus is—to that royal 'city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.' This shall be our last removal, to dwell forever with him we love, in the midst of his people, in the presence of God. Christian, meditate much on heaven, it will help thee to press on, and to forget the toil of the way. This vale of tears is but the pathway to the better country: this world of woe is but the stepping-stone to a world of bliss. Prepare us, Lord, by grace divine, For thy bright courts on high; Then bid our spirits rise, and join" - Charles Spurgeon
How surprising that, having just lost her mother, she should be the one to comfort us!
The same morning, I was reading the next portion in my Bible, and the passage, by God's providence, was I Peter 1.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
The combination of Linda's email with words from Spurgeon, and the Apostle Peter's letter with words from God, brought light. Then at the funeral and graveside we were reminded again of our heavenly hope. There is no need now to pray for Anne's soul, for she is with Jesus. Now our prayers are for her family who remain. Instead of feeling more depressed, I actually felt better after that funeral. How different from other funerals we've attended, where the dead person is gone forever and there's only a huge hole in our hearts.
Yes, I still feel the loss of this lady who was such a role model of cheerfulness, trust in the Lord, a successful loving marriage, staying trim and fit even in advancing years, and a warm sincere interest in people. I will miss her at times like the July 4th Picnic and the Christmas Eve Carol Sing. But she knew Christ, so I know she's in heaven with Him and all the others who have trusted in Him through the ages. I look forward to getting to know her better someday!
“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.”
How true – I have been “distressed by various trials.” Apparently, it's necessary! But the Spirit reminds me that students are always tested. Teachers don't usually talk during the test, either. The students have to rely on their own knowledge of the material. Even when I don't see Him, I need to love Him and believe in Him. Lord Jesus, thank You for this heavenly hope. Help me to rejoice!
God is faithful,
j