“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. (1 Corinthians 15:19-23).
Dear Heavenly Father, today I enter Your Throne Room with mixed feelings: a feeling of profound sadness because of all the pain, and suffering, that is happening all over the world as I sit and write these words. But thank You, God of my salvation! I am also experiencing a feeling of unspeakable joy that I can look up in hope, because of the blessed reality, that You are still upon the Throne of the universe, and that in spite of it all, You have given us the infallible guarantee, that the best is yet to come! We believe You, and we rejoice, by faith, in the blessed hope of the glorious resurrection. In the name of Jesus Christ my Lord I pray. Amen.
First, allow me to express my deepest condolence to anyone who has lost a loved one, at any time, but especially during this time of unprecedented death, pain, and suffering. Many may have questions. Many may be asking “Why?” Others may be wondering, “How long will this scourge be allowed to threaten our peace and cause us so much pain?” “Deny us closure?” I do not have the answer to any of these questions. But as one who have done “All of the above,” I would like to add, that, whatever you are going through, you are not walking the vale alone. God is with you, and He loves you more than you can imagine!
And that is not all! When you and I were without hope in this world of sin and suffering, Jesus took an oath on HIMSELF (See Hebrews 6:13, 16-20), that He would save us! And that all who live and believe in Him would have the right to live again, even if they die (John 11:25)!
In His infinite love and mercy He gives to every person an invitation to get to know Him as a friend and as a Savior. To those who accept His invitation, death is not the last word!
Because He lives, [we] “can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone; Because [we] know He (Jesus) holds the future. And life is worth the living, just because He (Jesus) lives” (Gloria Gaither).
So take hope! The best is yet to come! We will grieve, but not as those who have no hope. We have the blessed hope of that “great getting up morning!”
Today we have looked at the Hope. Tomorrow we will consider the Cost!