The Promise of New Life

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and 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.” Revelation 21: 3 – 4

What a blessing on this 12th day of November to know that we can give thanks to God for the gift of eternal life with Him. 

This week I went to the funeral of a sweet, little 91 year old lady, whose family is very dear to me. It was a beautiful service honoring her life and what she has meant to so many. How we grieve for those we love, but what comfort to know that we have God’s promise that there is new life to come.

I think every memorial service we attend touches us in some way and this one was no different. We mourn the loss of the life that has passed away, but we also look at our own. For in each passing we experience, we come face to face with the reality once again that life is precious, short, and such a gift. Each one makes us realize how much we value and appreciate those around us – especially those we love. We want to hold on to them a little tighter and a little longer, for we know these times will come for all of us.

Such thoughts also bring to mind that life is uncertain and death so unpredictable, for we know both lie in God’s hands and not in our own. It gives us pause to think about our own lives, what is important to us, our own mortality, and our relationship with God.

Death is such a difficult part of life and one we wish could be taken from us. But it is comforting to be reminded that God understands our sadness and grief, and that He will fill our hearts with His love, strength, and the peace we need.

But an even greater blessing is the assurance that someday “we will dwell with Him and our loved ones, and that all the painful things of life will be removed from us – no more death, mourning, grief, or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away and the new will begin.” Because of the saving grace of Jesus Christ, we have the promise of new life with God by our side – with no fear or dread – just an eternal lifetime of rejoicing with Him. How grateful we are for the gift of life – now and forevermore.

 Prayer

Dear God, we thank you for the gift of life and for those special people you have placed in it, but most of all we thank you for the promise of eternal life to come through your Son, Jesus Christ. How grateful we are to have the assurance of your everlasting comfort, peace, and love. Amen