The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

HOPE OF THE RESURRECTION

The death of a child is a terribly tragic experience. Indeed, anytime a loved one or a close friend dies, deep anguish follows — as is the case here with the death of David’s son. In the midst of sorrow associated with death, Christians have complete confidence to believe they will be reunited with a deceased loved one. The story of the death of David’s son suggests that David believed he and his child would be reunited. David said, “I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” Christian believers can hold to the same hope that Old Testament believers understood faintly — that death is inevitable, but God’s people will have life after death. Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die” (Jn 11:25 – 26). Jesus’ words were not empty but rather were validated through his own resurrection. Truly, Jesus has power over death — the greatest and most feared inevitability in the human experience — and has promised to apply that power to his followers (1Pe 1:3 – 7).

Jesus, I thank you and praise you that the end of this life is not the end. Help me to remember when I am grieving that death is nothing, thanks to you. Amen.