One of the saddest things we have to deal with in life is losing a family member, especially our spouse and children in death. A few months back my stepbrother had to bury his daughter and let me tell you this, at the viewing and funeral service there was not a dry eye when it came to his immediate family and many others. Streams of memories were flowing in my mind about my niece that day, as I know that many others had their own memories that they will never forget. Only God could give me and others strength that day, although in our flesh we were so weak. This is like unto what Abraham felt when his wife Sarah died. It is recorded, “and Sarah was an hundred and seven and twenty years old: these were the years of the life of Sarah. And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her. And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spake unto the sons of Heth, saying, I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a buryingplace with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.” (Genesis 23:1-4)
One thing I like when it comes to funerals is how many people jump in and help with any of the financial expenses like the casket, the burial place, the tombstone, getting food for a luncheon, and other things. These desires from people only come from God and I am glad that people are giving into Him. The same thing happened when Sarah died. It is recorded, “and the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him, Hear us, my lord: thou art a mighty prince among us: in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead; none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead. And Abraham stood up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, even to the children of Heth.” (Genesis 23:5-7) There is more to the story also as we continue reading. However, what is important here is that when loved ones pass on that we do our part in helping the grieving parent, siblings, and immediate family associated to the death. There should be no judgment upon the person who died, but instead, we ought to mourn with those that are hurting and try to uplift their spirits. Only God can help this go well. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray for every person who is going through a loss in their family through death. Life is like a vapor. We are here one day and gone the next. As I say this now, I know that people will be saying this about me one day when I die. But I know where I will go come death. Because I love and honor You in this life, I will be in paradise when I die. I will be free from all the pain and sorrow that comes from this life. You are the maker of all things good and I can’t wait to one day be with You, God, for all eternity in heaven. I especially pray for my wife and children. That they will fully receive You, Jesus, and become born again before their last breath. I would be sad if they were not in heaven. Many tears would be shed for sure, and now I understand the reason why You will wipe away all the tears from our eyes. And not just them do I pray that they will be in heaven, but my parents, siblings, immediate and extended family, friends, and co-workers. I don’t wish for anyone to go to hell when they die. They just need to give up what is holding them back in order to receive You for themselves. I love You, Lod. Amen.
