There is an enemy that we all have in common. It is powerful and has rarely lost a fight. It has already vanquished and taken away some of our loved ones, and one day it will do the same to us, if the Lord tarries. This enemy is dreadful, and no amount of pleading or crying will avert its force.
The Bible identifies this enemy. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death (1 Corinthians 15:26 NKJV). The lyrics of Ralph Stanley's song, "Oh Death," has a man begging, "Oh death, won't you spare me over till another year." Death is strong and cruel, as the Shulamite woman expresses in Song of Solomon 8:6b: For love is as strong as death, jealousy as cruel as the grave. It totally separates a person from a loved one. Death removes them from our sight, hearing, and embrace. We can sometimes prepare for that future reality, but other times we experience the shock of sudden and unexpected loss.
After death has done it's work, we are left in a state of sadness, distress, and grief over our loss. Our Lord experienced this heavy emotion when he walked this earth. The prophet would describe him as a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3b). The shortest verse in the Bible gives us a clear picture of his humanity and how he was made like us: Jesus wept (John 11:35). Our God and Savior even allowed himself to be overtaken by death: But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone (Hebrews 2:9).
Death stings. But because of the work of Jesus, we can face death not with fear or dread, but with hope. One day, the grimness of death will be taken away. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? (1 Corinthians 15:54,55). I love the word, "then," because that assures us that there will come a time when death's work will be brought to naught, and the dead in Christ will rise victoriously to live forever with the Lord.
Yes we can be comforted in the face of this powerful enemy because our Lord defeated death by rising from the grave to die no more, and has the keys to unlock the gates of death for us (Revelation 1:18). Won't it be wonderful then? And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away (Revelation 21:4).
Brotherly, Jamie
