The Upper Room Devotion for Friday, June 21, 2024, was written by David Kabaso of Lusaka, Zambia
Scripture
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; 4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” 5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Revelation 21:3-5 NRSV
Author's Thoughts
At the height of the pandemic, the whole world was in great turmoil as COVID-19 ravaged the globe, claiming millions of lives in the process. International travel was nearly impossible. During that same period, I was studying in the United States, and sadly, my dad passed away back in Africa. The pain of losing my father was almost unbearable. Then, seven months later, my birth mother also died. The tragedy of losing both parents in the same year will live with our family for many years to come.
After a while, I realized that my grief had taken a tremendous toll on me. I turned to the word of God and to prayer for comfort and strength. When I focused on God's love, I found comfort and assurance to help me through my grief. Now, whenever I am missing my parents, I think of the many good things they achieved, how they sacrificed for us, and how they loved us with the unconditional love of God. Scripture assures us that those who die in the Lord Jesus Christ will rise again, free from death and morning, and that is worth celebrating.
Pastor Anthony's Thoughts
Friends,
Revelations 21:3-5 is one of the many familiar passages used during funeral services. The passage conveys the compassion of a God that understands our sorrows and pain. The passage offers us hope that we are in relationship with a God that seeks to wipe away our tears, inviting us in the joy of a time where weeping will end. David's reflection echoes the feeling of comfort Revelation 21:3-5 can offer us during our seasons of sadness and loss. May we all endeavor to be ambassadors of God's peace, comfort, and grace for those who grieve.
Author's Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the peace your give to those if grief. We pray for all those who are grieving the loss of loved ones. Amen.
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