HOPE IN THE MIDST OF GRIEF
Frank park | Founding and Senior Pastor
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.’” - John 11:25
I am doing two funerals in two weeks. There is one word that can describe this: GRIEF.
Grief is a weighty companion. It oftentimes shows up uninvited, lingering long after the world around us moves on. Whether it is a loss of a loved one, or a season of deep disappointment, grief can make us feel isolated and hopeless. It can feel as if though death has the final say.
Yet in the deep recesses of our sorrow, the resurrection of Jesus speaks a louder and deeper truth - Death does NOT have the final say. Jesus does.
When Jesus rose from the grave, He shattered the grip of death and grief forever. Jesus’ resurrection was not just a moment of triumph for Him - it was a promise to all those who belong to Him. It was Jesus declaring that life, NOT death, is our ultimate destiny though Christ.
When Mary Magdalene stood weeping outside the empty tomb, she thought all was lost. Her Lord was gone and along with Jesus, it seemed as if though all her hopes were buried with Him. But Jesus met Mary in her grief. He called her by name. He revealed that her sorrow was going to turn into unspeakable joy (John 20:11-18).
Friends, in the same way, Jesus meets us in our grief today and He will meet us there tomorrow. He doesn’t rush us through our pain. He sits with us in it. He weeps with us, just as He wept at the tomb of Lazarus. But He also reminds us: This is NOT the end. Resurrection is coming.
For any follower of Jesus, grief is real - but it is never permanent. Pain may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). In Christ, even our deepest losses are seeds planted in hope, destined to flourish into something more beautiful than we can imagine now.
A few final thoughts:
1. Invite Jesus into your grief. Speaking openly to Him about your grief knowing that Jesus is NOT uncomfortable with your pain.
2. Remember that the resurrection of Jesus is not just an event from the past - it is a promise for your future.
3. Encourage your soul by meditating on Scriptures about hope and eternity.
I am doing two funerals in two weeks. There is one word that can describe this: GRIEF.
Grief is a weighty companion. It oftentimes shows up uninvited, lingering long after the world around us moves on. Whether it is a loss of a loved one, or a season of deep disappointment, grief can make us feel isolated and hopeless. It can feel as if though death has the final say.
Yet in the deep recesses of our sorrow, the resurrection of Jesus speaks a louder and deeper truth - Death does NOT have the final say. Jesus does.
When Jesus rose from the grave, He shattered the grip of death and grief forever. Jesus’ resurrection was not just a moment of triumph for Him - it was a promise to all those who belong to Him. It was Jesus declaring that life, NOT death, is our ultimate destiny though Christ.
When Mary Magdalene stood weeping outside the empty tomb, she thought all was lost. Her Lord was gone and along with Jesus, it seemed as if though all her hopes were buried with Him. But Jesus met Mary in her grief. He called her by name. He revealed that her sorrow was going to turn into unspeakable joy (John 20:11-18).
Friends, in the same way, Jesus meets us in our grief today and He will meet us there tomorrow. He doesn’t rush us through our pain. He sits with us in it. He weeps with us, just as He wept at the tomb of Lazarus. But He also reminds us: This is NOT the end. Resurrection is coming.
For any follower of Jesus, grief is real - but it is never permanent. Pain may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). In Christ, even our deepest losses are seeds planted in hope, destined to flourish into something more beautiful than we can imagine now.
A few final thoughts:
1. Invite Jesus into your grief. Speaking openly to Him about your grief knowing that Jesus is NOT uncomfortable with your pain.
2. Remember that the resurrection of Jesus is not just an event from the past - it is a promise for your future.
3. Encourage your soul by meditating on Scriptures about hope and eternity.