The Trumpet of God
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1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13. But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first; 17. then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall always be with the Lord. 18. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
I’ll be completely honest: I had and still have no idea what scripture should be shared this morning. I finally resorted to the bible topic index on my computer. The mother of teenagers in our youth group died suddenly the other night and I just heard about it last night. I am in shock; numb; deeply saddened; and feeling completely helpless. This woman was in her 40’s and I know of the upcoming milestones in her children’s lives, and cannot imagine them going on without her to share in them--a first child starting college; a youngest child starting high school. It’s just too sad.
While I’m being honest: I do question God about this! I love those children. And I am so sad for them. What could be the good purpose? What words am I to say to them to offer them comfort, or her husband? This is one of those times where we just have to keep our faith and trust God. I don’t mean that in a trite and simplistic way -- I mean we need to reach deep down and pull out every ounce of strength we have to believe in a God who has great plans for us. A God who plans to prosper us. A God who wants what is best for us.
I think of Job. And the story makes perfect sense and I read the words on the page and nod my head, “Yes, God blessed Job in his old age, more than he had before.” But that did not take away the pain of his loss. It didn’t cause him to miss his loved ones any less. It didn’t ameliorate his grief through the rest of his life. And even in his later life, full of children and grandchildren, friends and financial bounty, he had to have looked back at what he lost sometimes . . . And I don’t think this woman’s family would be the least bit comforted by the ending to the story of Job’s life. In light of all this I have to give this to God and let him work in me to find a place of peace about it all. I’m not there yet. And I guess some of my anguish is that I so cherish the milestones in my own children’s lives that she’ll never share.
In times such as these, all we have to hang on to is our faith. It serves as a lifeline. And I don’t doubt that family is really needing one right now. I am grateful to have heard they are surrounded by friends and loved ones. “16. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God.” She is in heaven now. And that is cause for rejoicing. That is the goal we all have for our lives. Perhaps this death, that we declare premature and unjust, will serve as a “wake up call” for those of us who take for granted all too often the little things in our lives. Maybe we will take stock of where we are headed in our life journey. And maybe we will honor her and her life by turning ours back on track.
I apologize if this seems so negative and lacking in the jubilant faith that I so often express (and hopefully demonstrate). This morning I struggle. And my prayers are for those children and that husband. And for all the friends and family whose lives were touched by this woman. Words fail me. I trust and believe, however, that God never will. Even in an untimely, inexplicable death. I must hold fast to my belief that He waits in heaven for this precious child, and has a purpose for her beyond what this earth could fulfill.
I hope today you hug your children, your spouse, all those in your life you hold dear. And that you thank God for every moment you have with them on this earth.
Mary
