Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; it is to your advantage that I go away. – John 16:7
It is hard to lose loved ones. About sixty million people die every year on Earth but that number is just a statistic until someone in your circle of relationships passes away. Death can cause insecurity and shake people’s core beliefs. However, for those who have faith in Jesus Christ, death is not to be feared. Instead, it is a gateway to wonder.
The resurrection of Christ is a well-documented event with over 500 eyewitnesses bearing testimony to the truth that, yes, indeed, there is life after death! When Jesus paid for sin with His death, overcoming resurrection power opened the way for people to follow Him into eternal life: “he who believes in me, though he die, yet he shall live” (John 11:25). And those who follow Jesus Christ into eternal life have much to look forward to. “No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
The realities of life in times of pandemic and global crises are difficult, but God’s people are not subject to the whims of fate. His timing in death is just as merciful as His timing in life. God welcomes His children home with the same care He offers in walking with them through life—“precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15). Pray that those dealing with loss in the world today will look to Holy God for comfort and find the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Today’s Verse: John 16:7
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Hebrews 2:14-18
14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
