Your Journey Through GriefНамуна

DAY EIGHT: Present With the Lord

At my husband’s home-going service I placed my hand on his casket and said, “This is not my husband. This is his body, but he is not here.” 

For the one who believes in Jesus this is a very precious truth. The essence of your loved one, the real him or her, is safe in the presence of the Lord. 

Bible scholars debate what “present with the Lord” means. This scripture does not speak to the form or state of consciousness of those who are “with the Lord” after death. Some scripture passages seem to imply those who have died believing in Jesus are asleep awaiting the resurrection. Other passages seem to imply that they are enjoying all the glories of heaven right now. 

Our human imagination cannot comprehend everything about time and eternity. Because death is the entrance into eternity, we should not be surprised that we cannot understand everything about this. If human beings can imagine other universes and time travel, we can accept that in God’s universe all of this is true even when it may seem contradictory to us. One day it will all be clear. 

And until then, you can be certain that your loved one is safe in His hands.