We lost my grandpa last week. He was ninety-four and had a blessed life. He spent over seventy of those years with my grandma, and their marriage and the life they built is an inspiration to me.
My grandpa’s homegoing isn’t tragic. He knew Jesus and he is finally in the presence of his Savior. But it is sad. He is no longer here for us to talk to or hug or spend time with. As we sat heartbroken with my grandma the morning after he died, I could sense Jesus there weeping with us, and I was comforted.
Jesus loves us so much. He is full of compassion for our pain. He has a tender sympathy for us, and He weeps when we weep. He hates that death is part of our current reality.
When Jesus’ close friend Lazarus died and He saw Lazarus’ family and friends weeping, He was deeply moved and greatly troubled. The Greek word translated as “deeply moved” indicates indignant displeasure. Jesus was ticked off at death and the pain it caused. He was also sad for His friends, and He wept with them.
Amid their sorrow, He reminded Lazarus’ sister of a promise that would give her hope. A promise I am finding hope in as we grieve the loss of my grandpa:
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” – John 11:25-26
Jesus had a plan for Lazarus that involved a miraculous resurrection. And even though Jesus did not raise my grandpa again in the flesh, he is not dead. He is alive in the presence of his Savior and one day we will see him again.
It is for this reason; Christ-followers grieve differently. We grieve with hope!
