Life, Death, and Hope
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him… Therefore, encourage one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 18
Our son, Michael, died suddenly last month at the age of 40 from a heart attack. He leaves behind his wife, Joy, and two boys: Corban (15) and Byron (13). We all deeply miss him and the heartache of his death will be a long-term healing process.
But we do not grieve his loss like others who have similar losses, for we have hope. This hope is found in the gospel of life – the Good News that Michael loved Jesus as his personal Savior. He testified as such (see 16 May blog) and therefore we have hope. This hope is in our bodily resurrection from the dead.
Michael and all who have trusted Christ will be raised back to life when Christ returns. We will be given a new body – an immortal one that does not age or decay. We will live forever with Christ in His presence in heaven.
Therefore, we do not grieve like others who do not have this hope of seeing loved ones once again in heaven. This hope helps us cope with the huge heartache and sadness resulting form Michael’s death. But the reality of the resurrection means that our heartache is tempered knowing that it is only temporary. We will see him again – that truth gives encouragement and hope in the midst of our grief.
By faith, we rejoice that Michael has finished his race well and is now in Christ’s presence. Yes, we miss him much. But our grief is not as others who do not have hope.
We love you, Michael.
Dad and Mom
Should you want to make a financial gift to help Joy and their two boys follow this link: celebratemikeyeakley.com
Developing Kingdom Leaders - Tom Yeakley 