A few days ago a friend sent me an email to tell me that a mutual friend had died. His name is Thomas. He was 93 years old. He lived a good life, was a believer in Christ, raised his family, loved his wife, was active in his church, had many friends and was a friend to many including me. Like I said he lived a good life and now he lives a better life.
His death got me to thinking about other friends I've lost in the past couple of years. There is my buddy Jack. A career military man, a passionate patriot and a great christian. We played a lot of golf together, and had lots of fun times. There is Melissa. A sweet young lady with a big smile. I met her when she was eleven, watched her grow up, get married, have kids. She was a believer in Christ and active in her church. Tim was a close friend Ive known for many years. A deacon, a deer hunter and fisherman, a loving dad and husband. He became a preacher and served well. We too had some great times together and I miss him. These are just a few, there are many more. None died the same way. Thomas died from old age. Jack died from bee stings. Melissa fought a long battle with cancer. Tim had covid. They have all left us with big holes in our hearts. Life is like that. Sad, sometimes tragic.
I guess I sound a little morbid but I'm not feeling that way. Instead I find that my faith is a little more real to me. Easter will soon be here and the hope of resurrection life is strong. My friends, which I greatly miss, are not dead but alive. They live in the presence of Jesus and have fullness of joy (Psalms 16:11). There are no problems or crisis for them to worry about. Time, nor bills nor politics is not an issue for them. They are waiting for the day of resurrection and their new bodies and a new heaven and earth to live in. They will be reunited with loved ones and friends in Christ. I like to think that on that day we will all sing "Amazing Grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see."
Thinking about death, no really I'm thinking about the eternal life available through Jesus Christ.This Easter season why not join join me in rejoicing. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...1 Peter 1:3
