The Word on Wednesday

For those who mourn --

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die…A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…” Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2a, 4 KJV

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“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me; because the LORD hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted…to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…”
Isaiah 61: 1a, 2b, 3a KJV

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“ …for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.” Jeremiah 31:13b KJV

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“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4 KJV

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“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away..." Revelations 21: 4 KJV

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Recently, I was reflecting on how Christ too experienced the loss of a parent during His time on earth. That's right--Jesus' step-father, Joseph, His childhood protector and provider, almost certainly died some time before Christ began His earthly ministry or at the latest, before Christ's crucifixion. And although the Bible does not answer the specifics of Joseph's death-the when, the where, the how-we can be sure that his family would have mourned his loss just as we do today when a loved one passes away.

This knowledge comforts me--

Jesus really does know what my family and others are going through as we say our last goodbyes.

He has stood at the graveside of a good friend and wept.

He has seen--firsthand--the suffering and pain of those around Him.

And, it is clear from the verses above, that while there is still death, pain, sorrow and grief on this earth, that God promises to comfort those who will take His outstretched hand and draw close to Him.

Blessings, Aimee

Notes: My mom is still with us as I write this. She is receiving good hospice care and both my father and sibling are able to spend much time with her. A heartfelt thank you to those who are praying for our family at this time:)
Photo: An angel at a cemetery we passed earlier this year.