Friday, April 19, 2019
“When he had received the sour wine, Jesus said, “It is completed.” Bowing his head, he gave up his life.” ~John 19:30
Death, it’s a subject that most of us do not like to think about or talk about. Our author, Juan Huertas remarks on the topic as one he deals with as a minister and states the obvious that “In some real ways we begin dying the moment we take our first breath.” My experience, personal and from a distance has led me to believe that death is hard whether it is expected or unexpected. I’ve experienced loss of grandparents, a parent, cousins, uncles, aunts, friends, distance relatives and coworkers. Each one affected me differently, I sometimes have wondered why? The why…death is part of life. The effects of someone passes depends on a lot of moving parts in life yours and the person who passed. The closer you are to the person the more is affects you. When my mom passed it shook me to my core for a very long time. It’s been nearly 7 years and I think of her every single day. I miss her absolutely but my thoughts are not filled with grief, the happy memories flow in and out all the time. Missing her is selfish, she’s happier with God and it was her time to go and God needed her more than I needed her. I can say that with confidence now but seven years ago I was angry and hurt that she was gone. It’s true what they say about grief, it’s not something you get over, it’s a process that last your entire life. It really is ebb and flow, and I’ve made peace with that.
Now how does any of that help with today, Good Friday? Well, Jesus had been preparing the disciples for his death, he even foretold the events leading up to his death and yet, they were completely taken by surprise by the acts and events. Even some of those who lived, walked and witnessed all the miraculous acts of Jesus, denied knowing him and betrayed him when things got difficult. It would be easy to judge but dare not to because they were human just like we are and we all would have don’t the same thing. We are weak and sinful, I am stating these as excuses but as facts. What separates humans is those who believe and seek forgiveness and those who believe they don’t need saving. We know that death will come and did come for Jesus but praise God, “The Son will Rise!” The Son DID RISE! We have salvation because Jesus endured the cross, accepted the price and paying for our sins – his life, he agreed to die for us. Death was a short victory for satan, Jesus overcame the cross and defeated death and sin, he arose from dead/resurrected and reigns forever as Lord and Savior!
Death where is sting?
“And when the rotting body has been clothed in what can’t decay, and the dying body has been clothed in what can’t die, then this statement in scripture will happen: Death has been swallowed up by a victory. Where is your victory, Death? Where is your sting, Death? ( Death’s sting is sin, and the power of sin is the Law.) Thanks be to God, who gives us this victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” ~1 Corinthians 15:54-57
As Christians, death is not final we know that it’s a new beginning, being with God for all eternity. There is not shame in grieving, it’s a nature process for everyone and everyone grieves differently. Hold onto this truth, the work of salvation has been completed by Jesus, yes it was messy, scary, mysterious, yet completed!
Now we can wait in grief and hope, for only by dying can we be born again.
Accept the Lord Jesus today and live into the fullness of life, the life God created you for.
“…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” ~Psalm 30:5
Breath Prayer: May my grief…lead to life.
~Peace~
References:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2030:5&version=KJV
Photo credit:
https://www.ourdailybreadcrumbs.com/john-19-30/
Additional reading:
https://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/prophecies-fulfilled-by-the-crucifixion-of-jesus-christ-faq.htm
HOPE SEEKER 
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