Bereavement, God’s comfort in (2)

God comforts the bereaved and the sorrowful

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Mourning turned into joy

Psalm 30:11 KJV 1900

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

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Jeremiah 31:13 KJV 1900

Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, Both young men and old together: For I will turn their mourning into joy, And will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.

John 16:20 KJV 1900

Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

Despair turned into hope

“Falling asleep” was a euphemistic way of talking about dying.

1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 KJV 1900

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

Fear turned into assurance

; In the OT, death was generally feared because it meant the loss of meaningful existence. However, like several references, this one looks beyond the grave and anticipates NT hope for all who trust in God; Paul’s conclusion after working through the implications of the gospel.

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God’s care for widows and orphans

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Jesus Christ cared for the bereaved

; At the grave of his friend, Lazarus.

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Caring for the bereaved

Special provisions in the law for the bereaved;

See also ; ; The early church provided for widows in the fellowship with a special fund; ;