Friday, November 15, 2019

Rest in Peace?


“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever,
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so . . .
Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,
Bound in affliction and irons—
Because they rebelled against the words of God,
And despised the counsel of the Most High,
Therefore He brought down their heart with labor;
They fell down, and there was none to help.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He saved them out of their distresses.
He brought them out darkness and the shadow of death,
And broke their chains in pieces.
Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!”
    Psalm 107: 1-2, 10-15 (NKJV)

An employee in the MSP cafeteria died unexpectedly the other day and there has been an outpouring of
commendation about her, remembering her warm smile and cheerful manner, and relating stories of her kindness. Many of the comments included the phrase “Rest in peace.”  Certainly, if she was a believer, I would rejoice that she is resting in peace with Jesus now.  Of course, only God knows for sure.  But apart from a personal faith in Him, her eternal state is not hopeful---regardless of how nice of a person she was and how well-liked.

Interestingly, in Sunday school this past week, the pastor spoke about grief.  He said that it’s common for people to talk about a person who dies as going to a “better place” or “resting in peace” because it’s too uncomfortable to talk or even think about the alternative.  But hell is a reality.  Fortunately, throughout the Bible, we see illustrations of God using grief for redemptive purposes, and pastor spoke of evangelistic conversations he has had when spending time with those who were grieving.

Death and funerals often bring opportunities to talk to the surviving family and friends about faith, maybe not right away but after the reality of the loss has set in.  We who are the redeemed of the Lord should speak of His abundant grace and rich mercy in saving us.  And when anyone cries out to the Lord, He will save them too and bring them out of darkness and the shadow of death.  That’s an amazing truth to share with someone who is grieving and bring them real comfort and hope.

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