When my classmate’s wife, Janet suddenly died of cardiac failure, my perspective on life changed dramatically. Janet was almost our age and the unexpected nature of that passing gave me much to ponder. It shows our circle of friends is getting older. It is going to be characterized as much by goodbyes as hellos.
As a matter of fact, this was not a big surprise at all – that’s just what life is. But this realization was an emotional lightning bolt to all of us. It gave a fresh, new significance to every moment life gives us and every opportunity time allows. And it placed a huge new value on the reality of a future reunion, where no goodbyes will ever be needed.
This ultimate reality is at the heart of what Revelation 21:3 “God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘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.”
Though today we may find ourselves experiencing occasions of long goodbyes, our trust in Christ’s death and resurrection promises an eternity of hellos.
Father, I thank You that You’re the living God who gives everlasting life. I pray that You would use our eternal hope to comfort us in our seasons of loss and grief.