Heavy Heart

Tragedy last Sunday, Cristian a 22yr old who was recently baptised with his fiancée Chelsea died suddenly at home.

With N&C as the wept over him, his favourite aunty turned to me and asked why?

Natural human reaction; my reaction

I remember Cristian as a teenager, prophecied over him one Sunday – a man after God's own heart. I was gutted when he walked away and pursued a different lifestyle. But when he came back, after years of praying for him, it was like Jesus.  Parable of the prodigal son – I ran to him to welcome him home. The father puts a ring on his finger, a robe round his shoulders and embraces him.

He was on a journey and had such promise over him and his young family. Why?

It's okay to be shocked, confused, angry even.

In John 9 a blind man is brought to Jesus and we are shown the human approach and God's approach.

The human approach – is why? Who sinned this man or his parents? Why?

The divine approach – neither. It's the wrong approach. God will be glorified in what will happen.

2 Cor 13:12 tells us we see as in a mirror – like an old rusted mirror, that's not too bright. One day we will see clearly, but not today.

We don't know why – but we do know God is a good God and somehow, somehow, He will work good out of this tragedy.

But we are left confused – a tension of sorrow, heartache and questions, but also knowing that earth is not heaven yet. One day Jesus will return and make a new heaven and new earth and heaven will be on earth and believers will have perfect pain free bodies to enjoy it and God forever more.

We grieve oh so differently

Turn to 1 Thess 4:13-17

We have hope

We are not like the world.

Paul often uses the word “sleep” for death – it's not the final end. That gives us hope.

Hope comes from Jesus

There was another young man, about 33yrs old, how died tragically. He had run afoul of the occupying government and corrupt religious leaders and was murdered on a cross. But his untimely death gives us such hope, today 2,000 years later

Because Jesus, who is God took on our flesh

Loved us enough to die for us.

Died and rose again and gave us something powerful to believe.

See v14 Jesus when he comes back, will bring those who have fallen asleep with him.

Cristian is already in heaven – just like the man on the cross – today you will be with me in paradise. His spirit, his soul is in the presence of Jesus. Aware of the goodness of God and without pain.

We are left here grieving and right now for mum Natalia, and fiancé Chelsea it feels like life as you knew it has ended. But one day you will meet him again.

When Jesus comes the dead rise first – their spirits get a new body. Then v17 we will be raised and transformed. Notice v17 “together with them” – you will be reunited with him and know him, and recognise him.

Rev 21:4 tells us “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

What a day that will be!

So let's be church family

V18 tells us to encourage one another with these words. Give hope in the gospel.

Comfort one another

The weeks and months ahead will be hard for the family. Grieving is a painful process.

But we have church family – we have brothers and sisters and mothers and fathers in the Lord who can love and care for the family who are grieving.

Rallying around – meals, errands and listening hears and help with the little one.

Chelsea, Natalia, Church Psalm 23:4 tells us “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me.”

Church family will bring comfort, but ultimately God brings comfort and will carry you through.

 

Let's pray