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Jesus’ Victory Over Death: Joy in Our Tears, Hope in Our Loss

“…Our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” 2 Tim. 1:10

     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

     Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Rev. 1:17-18

Lord Jesus, today I’ll join many friends to grieve a great hurt, but also to celebrate an even greater hope. Thank you for coming into our world to destroy death, and to bring life through the gospel—eternal life. As we gather around his new grave, it’s going to be hard, as it should be. But your empty tomb will be the joy in our tears, and the hope in our loss. What a mighty and merciful Savior you are.

Jesus, as we embrace one another, seeking to comfort one another, your right hand will be on all of us; and you’ll speak these words, “Do not be afraid… I (and no one else) hold the keys of death… I am the resurrection and life… whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” To which we will respond, “Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.”

Oh, the blessed wonder of the glorious gospel of grace. Death isn’t sovereign; you are. Sin didn’t triumph; you did. You took our judgment and gave us your righteousness. Jesus, you are the grave robber and grace giver. Thank you. Your death was the death of death. Your resurrection is the guarantee of ours. Your return will bring the fullness of our redemption. We praise, bless, and adore you.

Indeed, Lord, this fierce goodbye, intensifies our longing for the day of no more goodbyes. We mourn today, but we will dance in the morning. May this new season of grief become a garden of beauty, life, and hope. Bring many to yourself in these coming weeks, Lord Jesus. And bring us deeper into your heart, and closer to one another. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and triumphant name.

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