Over the years I have performed many funerals. They are always marked by tears and sorrow. There are different types of sorrow though. Those who have placed their faith in Christ grieve differently than others.
1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 (ESV) But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
And the difference is...Hope! Hope, based on our faith in the Lord.
We learn from scripture that there are two ways God views death...
- No Pleasure
“Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?” ~ Ezekiel 33:11
- Precious
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." ~ Psalm 116:25
And the difference is...Our relationship with the Lord.
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
