Preparing For Loss (Repost)

The following blog was first published on my WordPress.com blog five years ago.

The loss of a loved one is never easy. Whether the loss is sudden or expected does not matter. The hurt is just as heavy. The hurt is not solitary either. It ripples. The stone of loss splashes causing the wave of its pain to crash upon the shores of countless others. All around it is noticed. How great is its effect.

Memories flood in from time spent accompanied by those times lost. Those hurt the worst. Recounting all the calls you should have made or the dinners you should have attended. Seems to you now all those excuses are silly and insignificant. Life just gets busy and you forget the importance of taking time for those you love. You try and imagine life without them, that you can somehow be okay, but there they are, still here. That’s all you can see now. How can you imagine them gone? In reality you just can’t. You just can’t.

Let me begin by saying it’s okay to cry. If you’re a big, beastly fellow who would never cry because your beard could not handle the excess moisture caused by the weird substance coming from your eyes, then mourn. You must get it out. Let this take its course. I do not care who you are. You’re going to have to deal with this loss. So deal. Realize and mourn. It’s okay. Let it go. Jesus wept.( John 11:35). He is much stronger than you.

For those in Christ, we have a pillow to lay our heads upon. The sovereign God we serve. Run to Him. Call out and talk to Him. This may be mixed with that emotion of mourning, but go to God. He is in control and nothing takes Him by surprise. I could never understand how one could endure without Him. Be there for others.

Again, you’re not the only one hurt by this. This can be your opportunity to share the hope that is within you, Christ Jesus. Don’t cram it down their throats, but be the example they need at this moment and love them. When you can smile during this pain, others will wonder how. Tell them.

If the loved one who is passing is not a follower of Christ, if possible, share the hope with them as well. The thief on the cross beside Jesus called to Him in his last moments that Christ would remember him when He entered into His Kingdom. Christ told him, “today, you will be with me in Paradise”. (Luke 23:42). Share the Gospel with your loved one.

If your loved one be in Christ, oh think of the joy they will experience as they see their Savior. What a sight that will be! They get to experience the gain of the life to come. That brings me much joy. So it should you too. If possible read to them the scriptures as they prepare to go and you prepare to say goodbye.

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep …. and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14,17b-18. ESV

My prayer is that in some way this will help you during a time of preparation of losing a loved one. If before or after the loss, trust in the Lord through it all. Soli Deo Gloria.

March 4, 2023 0

Because I have Daughters

I set my face to be a man because I have daughters.

My affections are tender, my heart is full because I have daughters.

Make strong my arms and make gentle my hands because I have daughters.

Stern are my words, encouraging is my mouth because I have daughters.

Wisdom I seek and prayers I make because I have daughters.

Dances in the kitchen and books by the lamp because I have daughters.

Laughs in the morning and cuddles at night because I have daughters.

Hugs around my neck and little feet on my toes because I have daughters.

Kisses goodnight and smiles aglow because I have daughters.

Having children is a joy to my soul. Of course my son is the prince of the castle and my best little buddy, but there is something particular about my girls. What once was a calloused heart has become more tender than before. Their beautiful deep eyes have that effect no doubt. Yet, I know I have to be stronger than ever for them.

That brings me to the thought I want to share. If we want good daughters that grow to be good women, we need good men. We as fathers or father figures should show our girls what it means to be a woman by being what we are. Men.

I know not all situations are alike. Many men are not even allowed to be a vital part of their child’s life and that is sad. But all things being equal, let’s consider what I mean in these three points (In typical Baptist form ;).

1. Treating your daughters with love and respect: This is obvious, I think. These precious ones are blessings from God (Psalm 127). Treat them as they are to be treated. Girls are precious gifts God has given you to love and nurture with respect until your dying breath. Anything less is letting them down. Not only that, it’s a sin against God. Ultimately these are His girls you know. Don’t ever forget that.

2. Love their mama (or their “mum” for my dudes across the pond): Again, all things equal, be a loving husband to your wife. It is the very best thing you can do for your daughter. Show her what a good man does for his wife, how he provides, how he laughs, how he talks to her. Even how he hugs and kisses her in public. A good man communicates and leads his house well. His love for his wife is obvious and those little girls will not only see it but look for it in their future husband (See Ephesians 5:25-33).

3. Love Jesus: This too is obvious but has to be said. If you are not loving Jesus your your wife and your children will suffer. Show those girls a man who loves Jesus is a man who will love them! That starts at home with their daddy. Family worship, family prayer, signing together, etc. are all essential for not only the spiritual development of your family, but will also pay dividends perpetually for your grands! Be a generational man. Lead your girls and their girls closer to Jesus. Show them with your life. Don’t expect some background music accompanied by a light bulb over your kid’s head to know when the thing will stick. Just love Jesus day in and day out in front of your girls; it will teach them to do the same.

Face it men, we have a huge responsibility when it comes to our girls. Love them with all you have. Steal their hearts; dance, sing, and play. Be their first love in hopes it will lead them to a lasting love grounded firm in the Rock of our Salvation. Be a man because you have daughters.

September 17, 2019 2

King Solomon and King Jesus

2 Samuel 12:24-25 “Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and went in to her and lay with her; and she gave birth to a son, and he named him Solomon. Now the Lord loved him and sent word through Nathan the prophet, and he named him Jedidiah for the Lord’s sake.” NASB

These two verses follow the death of the first born son of David and Bathsheba. David fasted and prayed while the child lived in hopes the Lord might would be merciful to him. Once the child passed David stopped his fasting, changed his clothes, anointed himself, and went to the house of the Lord to worship. Afterward, David knew his wife and comforted her during this loss. The result being their second son Solomon.

Solomon in the Hebrew means “Peace.” The verses above indicate that the Lord loves Solomon and sent word of him to Nathan. Promptly, Nathan gives Solomon the name Jedidiah for the Lord’s sake.

The name Jedidiah means “Loved by Jehovah.” A confirmation of verse 24, and an indication of the steadfast love of God toward the house of David. Solomon would go on to sit on the throne and know a kingdom marked in peace.

Solomon could have easily been mistaken as the promised King who would rule on David’s throne forever. Yet, Solomon was a shadow and a finger pointing to the promised King, Jesus Christ.

“Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights.” Isaiah 42:1 NASB (ref. Matthew 12:18).

Jesus is the Son begotten of God. He is loved by the Father and is the true Prince of Peace. He is the one true Jedidiah and the one true Solomon.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Where Solomon was unfaithful and wavering, Christ is faithful and unchanging. Where Solomon’s time of peace ends, Christ’s peace is never ending. Where Solomon’s riches are turned to dust, Christ’s riches are ever abundant. Solomon built the temple of God using cedars and hewn stone from afar; Christ destroyed the temple and rose again in three days gathering those who are a far off into His body the church. Where Solomon’s wisdom faints, Christ’s wisdom is unsearchable. Where the wells of Solomon are dry, the fountain of Christ is ever flowing.

Come to the King of kings and Lord of lord’s to find true peace and true love. These are found nowhere else save the person of Jesus Christ. He is the Amen to the promises of God. Soli Deo Gloria.

References:

Image: Wikipedia.com

Bible Verses: NASB

July 12, 2018 0