Departures

During the Last Supper, Jesus spoke of His departure several times, emphasising the distress it would cause the disciples. It seemed like Jesus did not want them to ignore the reality of His going away. He forewarned that they would be sorrowful until the day of His resurrection. They will be sorrowful because of the absence of a key member of their group. They will be sorrowful because it seems as though their enemies have won and hope has been taken away from them. Or so they thought.

Earthly departures are never easy for the one departing, and for those he/she leaves behind. I have seen quite a number of departures during my lifetime, including that of my grandfather. It came unexpectedly when I was still in my 20s. After we buried him, we returned to his house, and I remember realising that everything had changed. I will no longer see my grandfather waving at me when we arrive, quietly walking over to the church to pray for about an hour each day. I felt sad and harboured thoughts of regret. I regret not spending more time with him, asking him about his childhood or how he became a believer.

Perhaps, this was what the disciples went through when Jesus was taken away from them. Regret. Sorrow. Disappointment. Anger. Frustration. All entangled in their hearts and minds. Yet, Jesus comforts them during the Lord’s supper that their sorrow will turn to joy when they see Him again. In that one instance, their regret, sorrow, disappointment, anger and frustration will be defeated and replaced with hope, joy and praise.

Beloved, we may have to say goodbye to our fellow brothers and sisters one day. In those times, we must remember the words of Christ - that our sorrow will turn to joy. We grieve at their departure, but we grieve not as the world grieves. We grieve with hope. Why? Because one day, our sorrow will turn into joy. Our separation will turn into a reunion when Jesus returns and makes all things new. This was the hope that Jesus gave to His disciples as He became the first fruit of the resurrection.

So, let us not lose hope in moments of departure. Cling on to the promise of Christ. And let us tell our departed ones - “till we meet again at Jesus’s feet.”

Reflection

• Ponder: Why do you think Jesus wept when He saw that Lazarus had died? (He had the power to raise Lazarus from the dead)
• Examine your heart and see if there is sorrow in regards to a close believing friend/family member that has departed. How can you replace that sorrow with hope?
• The reality for believers is that those who are not believers will face an eternity without Christ or the Body of Christ. This only elevates the importance of evangelism to our loved ones. Take some time to ponder on a few non-believing family members / close friends that you would like to intentionally reach.

Application

Do not grieve as the world grieves when a brother or sister departs from your life. Instead, cling on to the hope that we will be together again when Jesus returns.