I was reading out of 1 Corinthians 15 this morning, and I found immense comfort and hope in these verses, so I would like to share them with you:
"Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed - in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortalk with immprtality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."
"Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?"
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (verses 51 - 57)
As I sat reading these verses, I was reminded of what will happen when Jesus comes back. It filled me with such joy to see that day and I found myself resting deeply in the comfort of His amazing love! Do you feel that too and you read this?
I also saw a photo of my grandpa that I have on my desk after I read these verses. My grandpa passed away four years ago, very suddenly. Although he did fight, ultimately, God had control over his life, and it did end here on earth.
As I sat reminiscing about my grandpa, I thought of the things he used to say. Ha! I can still hear his voice! I remember the funny way he would act (he was such a goofball sometimes); or the way he would just go to the bathroom whenever he had to, wherever he had to; or some of the sad times when I saw him stumbling drunk. But I remember his joy most of all. He was proud of his wife, his sons and daughter, and the rest of his family. He loved being a farmer and I don't think if he had the opportunity, he would have done anything else! He loved being on the land and caring for God's creation.
He always went to church. He was always dressed nicely, usually in slacks and a button-up shirt, with a sweater vest over it - didn't matter if it was hot and humid summer or the bitter cold of winter. He always shaved for church and had cologne-strong cologne. And of course, Brylcream! Who could forget the slicked comb-over!
I don't know what my grandpa ever got out of church. He never said much about it, but he never missed. I always knew church was important to him.
The day he passed away I was shocked. It was one of those things you knew would eventually come, but when it does, you're just caught in awe. That's where I was when I found out he died. And yet, God took care of me and my family! A wave of peace filled my heart that day - a peace I could have only found from the Holy Spirit's presence. He was speaking to me of where my grandpa's heart was and who it belonged to. My grandpa was far from a perfect man, but the Holy Spirit comforted me in such a way that I have never doubted his soul's eternal state.
Yeah, death hurt. Death had a sting that day on my heart, but it does not have the victory! My Jesus does! "He [God] gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." My heart rejoices!
The other thing I thought of was all that he hasn't gotten to have with us - and that was God's plan. He didn't get to see me meet and marry the love of my life! He will miss much of my cousin's lives. He will not be around to become a great-grandpa. And that's okay with me. He's in a better place, and God is extremely good in all circumstances of our life. He had my grandpa's life in His hand, and He has yours and mine.
Death is not fun to write about, but it's comforting with Jesus at our side. If you're fearing that time, turn to Jesus and trust Him. It's only a respite from the ache and toil of this world to the changing and glory of eternity with the Father! He loves you - give Him that fear and let your life be made so beautiful by His grace!
All for His glory!
Brandon
