Thursday, September 22, 2016
I'd like to take a moment to extend my deepest condolences to the Germano family during this time of sorrow. No matter how rich and fulfilling life someone's life may have been, we never want to see it come to an end. We never want to see a loved one suffer in death, because it is a horrible thing. And it feels as if we've reached an abrupt ending, or a finality of sorts that cannot be undone. However, those who have sincere faith in the bible can rest assured that they will have an opportunity to see their loved ones who are asleep in death once again. Through the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we know that his father has provided the opportunity for us to receive everlasting life and forgiveness of our sins. Acts 24 verse 15 states, "And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." Jesus will resurrect our dead loved ones as he did Lazarus. They are merely in a state of sleep. I hope that this scripture provides some degree of solace, knowing that this is not the end. When we pray, we are encourage to ask for God's kingdom to come. This kingdom will bring an end to all of the war and suffering that has become commonplace, and it will be everlasting. Daniel 2 verse 44 states, "In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed.And this kingdom will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms,+ and it alone will stand forever." May God be with you and may your prayers bring a sense of peace to your family, knowing that the true God is listening and he will intervene at the appropriate time.
