Hope Beyond the Grave

Bible Passage: John 14:1-3, Psalm 23

Clare was quite our story-teller. She knew how to spin a yarn! The interesting thing about Clare was that every time she told a story, the details changed. Sometimes, dramatically. As you listened to Clare tell a story, you never really knew what was true versus another bit of Clare’s wit.

For example, For the record, I would like to know where the other of your 7 brothers are today? I mean, really! This is their mother! They should be here right beside each of you paying their respects.

I’m not sure who said this first, but I think it sums up Clare, “I’ve lived through all these years; I can finally say I’m a pro at living!”

Each one of us here has lessons that we have learned from Clare. We all have stories that we have heard Clare tell. We all have stories and memories about Clare that we will always love and cherish.

Solomon told us in Ecclesiastes that there is a time for everything. So let’s tell the time.

This is a time for Grief.

We would be more than foolish to think that grief isn’t OK.

Grief is real. Clare was an amazing woman! What a legacy she has left behind.

David recognized we walk through times of grief. He said it like this:

Psalm 23:4 ESV

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

We walk through the valley of the shadow of death. We don’t live there. We don’t have to fear. We have The Father’s promise of comfort.

This is a time for comfort.

Even in times of grief, Our Heavenly Father assures us of His Comforter. He gave us the Holy Spirit - The Comforter. David, understood walking through grieving times He wrote passionately about God’s comfort.

Psalm 23:1–3 ESV

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Our Father gives us guidance and protection through the times of grief lead us to respites of comfort ~ even in times of grief. During the time of loss, He gives us comfort and He restores our soul.

We rejoice in a time for Eternal Joy!

Let’s be clear. Unfortunately, we don’t have Clare’s wit to enjoy in the here and now, but we have not only the hope, but the promise of Eternal Joy!

Psalm 23:5–6 ESV

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

What greater enemy than death itself? Even in the face of death our cup overflows! That cup is filled with the Joy of the Lord!

Then, HIs promise is goodness and mercy not just in the here and now, but forever.

So, sure. It is a time to grieve. But in that grief is comfort. And that comfort is wrapped up in eternal joy knowing that this grief is but for a season, and we, like Clare, will dwell in the house of the Lord. Forever!

Finally, I leave you with the words of Jesus Himself.

John 14:1–3 ESV

1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.