Balancing Grief with Hope
John 11:20-27, 32-36, 43-44
Prior to teaching at Charleston Southern, I pastored a small church in the country near Edenton, N.C., for about eight years. Toward the end of my pastorate, I officiated the funeral of a 20-year-old girl named Karen. Karen was a sincere Christian whose love for Christ touched many lives. Though normally a responsible driver, one February night she accidentally ran a red light at a busy intersection in Greenville, N.C. Tragically, she died instantly when another vehicle slammed into the driver’s side of her car.
Karen’s funeral was marked by both grief and hope. It was marked by grief because a young woman was taken away suddenly from those who loved her dearly. However, it was also marked by hope because her family and friends knew that Karen was now with Christ in heaven.
During these kinds of tragedies, Christians walk a difficult road in which they balance grief with hope. The sting of death brings tears, depression, and endless thoughts of “what if.” However, the Bible’s promise of eternal life for those in Christ brings comfort, calm, and an assurance that we will see our loved one again. Balancing grief with hope is not always easy. However, in the midst of our sorrow, Christ provides real assurance of eternal life.
The Gospel of John records an emotional exchange between Jesus and Martha in which the latter struggled to balance grief with hope. Martha’s brother, Lazarus, had died a few days earlier. Jesus later went to Bethany to meet Martha. When she encountered Jesus, Martha displayed a sincere belief in his power and intimacy with the Father (John 11:21-22). Jesus responded by promising that Lazarus would rise again (John 11:23). Martha misunderstood him, thinking that he spoke of the resurrection of the last day (John 11:24). Jesus then identified himself as the resurrection and the life, and promised to grant eternal life to all who believe in him (John 11:25-26). Martha would not fully understand Jesus’ identity until after the resurrection (John 20). Nevertheless, as her extraordinary confession of faith shows (John 11:27), Jesus’ self-revelation and promise of resurrection helped her balance grief with hope.
Jesus went on to provide even greater assurance to Martha by raising Lazarus from the dead. He called Lazarus from the tomb, and a man formerly dead came forth very much alive (John 11:43-44).
Believers need to be reminded that Jesus is the resurrection and life (John 11:25), a profound truth that provides great comfort when they struggle to balance grief with hope. Because he has triumphed over the grave (John 20), they can be assured that they will see their deceased loved one again in heaven.
Bryant– Lessons by Michael Bryant, assistant professor of religion at Charleston Southern University. Bryant has a B.S. in history from Charleston Southern and a Ph.D. in New Testament from Southeastern Seminary.