Friday, March 8, 2013
My heart goes out to you all at this difficult time. There just aren't words to describe the pain of losing those we love so much. Because of my love of people and our Creator I would like to leave you a message of comfort and hope.
"If a man die, shall he live again?" asked the man Job long ago. (Job 14:14, King James Version) Perhaps you, too, have wondered this. How would you feel if you knew you could be reunited with your loved ones right here on earth under the best of conditions?
Well, when Jesus was on earth he resurrected his dear friend Lazarus who had been dead for three days. Even though he knew he would restore his life he "groaned in the spirit and became troubled." Then, the account says, "Jesus gave way to tears." (John 11:33,35). So he felt the pain and sorrow that death brings.
In a way that can be encouraging to us because we know that Jesus and his Father Jehovah hate death.
There are nine miracles where dead ones were brought back to life on earth recorded for us. These accounts teach us much about the resurrection to come. (John 5:28,29) People who were restored to life right here on earth were reunited with their loved ones. The future resurrection will be similar-only much better. The whole earth will be made into a paradise. So the dead will not be raised to life in a world filled with war, crime and sickness. They will have an opportunity to live forever on this earth in peaceful and happy conditions under God's heavenly government or Kingdom. (Psalm 37:9-11,29; Matthew 6:10; Revelation 21:3,4)
To have confidence in such promises we need to answer some basic questions: Why do people die? Where are the dead? And how do we know that they can live again?
I would love to share with you the Bible's thoughts on these questions at no obligation if you reply.
Sincerely,
Joyce Armold
laritaarmold@gmail.com
