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The Christian hope is rooted in the promise of final resurrection. Jesus Christ has conquered death and as we saw from what was said at the time of the death of Lazarus, that Christ promised hope in the face of death.

As a lover of history, I recently had the sobering experience of visiting the fields of Flanders in Belgium. The town of Ypres was the site of some of the costliest battles of WWI and graveyards cover the modern landscape as a reminder of the horror and scale of death that once covered these now beautiful fields. I wandered reflectively through the German army war grave at Langemark (once the frontline of combat and site of the first Gas poison attack), where over 44000 Germans lie buried. Shortly after that, I walked silently among the allied graves on Sanctuary Hill, where thousands of British, Indian and other Commonwealth troops are buried. Many of them aged between 18 and 20 and one can only imagine the fear, anxiety, and shock, as they faced the daily cost of combat and the frightening reality of death on such a scale and with such a likelihood. It made me think.

Over the last few months, I have been involved with both friends and family who have been diagnosed with life threatening diseases and have also faced the loss of some who were taken in death. Not long ago, we all prayed, watched, sought the Lord, for our dear brother Nabeel Qureshi who went home to his true reward last year. It was quite a journey and one that is right at the heart of life and of course one that is central to Christianity. Facing terminal illness or tragedy is something we all must do, for it comes to all. We cannot deny it and we cannot avoid it and the Bible is very practical as it both faces death and suffering head on and as it provides an answer from the very Creator Himself.

A few weeks ago I received a call from a former colleague, and by her gravitas I knew it was serious. Her husband of 54 years had just died and she asked if I would speak at a memorial on his behalf. I was honored. I began to pray and visited the family to listen and hear their stories. They shared about a life well lived. They told stories and humorous anecdotes. The grandkids were a particular source of loving insight and tales of fun and adventure. However, what struck me heavily, was the role that faith, the scriptures and trust played in the latter days. As the sickness was now known and the various interventions had failed, it was clear that time was limited. Terry focused on God’s promises and making sure he was right with God and with all who knew him. The family shared how he rested in God’s promises and his older brother was deeply moved that he was not only assured that God was welcoming him, but he was eager to get to his final home!

During this period, I sought the LORD and consulted the scripture. I was drawn particularly to I Corinthians 15 and verses 50-57. The Christian hope is rooted in the promise of final resurrection. Jesus Christ has conquered death and as we saw from what was said at the time of the death of Lazarus, that Christ promised hope in the face of death. (see John 11:25-26). These vital words and promises lie at the heart of the salvation message and promise that comes in and through Jesus. It is not a minor aspect but a central feature.

Consider… “On what does the Christian argument for Immortality really rest? It stands upon the pedestal on which the theologian rests the whole of historical Christianity — the resurrection of Jesus Christ”.  – Henry Drummond.

Or this from Watchman Nee. “Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with the resurrection”.

However, there still remain the doubts, the fears, and the questions (for some), about suffering and death. Why must we endure or face this? Why is this happening to me, or my family, my loved one, or my dear friend? Any answer will come from a worldview perspective and will be the place where we see the strengths and weaknesses of the views if we are able, gently, to compare them! For some, any suffering is followed by some sense of guilt or transgression. It is as if I (or they) did something wrong or did not do something right, to earn this! Perhaps people have even said such to us and compound our loss, confusion and pain, just as Job’s so-called comforters brought much sorrow but little actual light or truth into his suffering as they sought to provide “reasons” for his sorrows. The Bible introduces us to a good creation, where originally all was “good” and in order (see Genesis 1). However, it goes on to document a space/time for fall or disorder that entered into our experience of time and space and which brought death and suffering in the wake of human disobedience.

In the overall narrative of scripture, deliverance is promised and a Messiah will come who will conquer death (see Isaiah 53), overcome evil and suffering, and initiate a new order, a way of salvation and an assurance of final hope. (see Romans 8: 19-25). This is the Gospel, this is the “good news”, that “God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). This is the anchor point for our essential reflection. As we face sickness, as we have to deal with decline, suffering and eventually, with death, we do so in the light of His saving promises, power and provision. It is not put forward as a placebo or as a mere psychological prop or as an escape mechanism. It is presented to us as a truth claim, as the way things are, as a serious answer to the human condition.

God’s grace is real, His promises are true and that because of Jesus the Christ, death does not have the last word. If we let that govern and guide us, then we can face the worst with courage, faith and hope, with the love of family and friends, and with an assurance that God will be in the future as we get there.

So, going back to my reflections in Flanders. While there, I read some poems and letters from those in the Trenches, many who did not survive. I saw many examples of men seeking God, asking for prayer and resting in the assurance of ultimate hope. There were stories of courage, of compassion, of sacrifice, as brothers laid down their lives knowingly and willingly, showing all the time, that for some, death did not have the final word nor a compelling hold by fear. There was a higher vision, a compelling future, that both beckoned and held many of them. I also reflected on the passing of Terry, who knew he was terminally ill, but used his final days to share memories, laugh with his family and friends and spend time being sure that he was ready to meet His maker.

I also noted the role that family and friends played, by not avoiding the sorrow, by not shrinking from the pain and the ugliness of suffering, but by being fully present, spending time, sharing, talking, caring, crying and facing it together. I noted how much the one in distress was comforted by the love of others and the continuing presence of those who really cared and just wanted to be there, with or without words. It truly makes a difference. I do not in any sense mean to undermine or negate the real sorrow, the real suffering, or the real tragedy involved in a terminal illness or similar suffering, but I am persuaded, that God’s grace is real, His promises are true and that because of Jesus the Christ, death does not have the last word. If we let that govern and guide us, then we can face the worst with courage, faith and hope, with the love of family and friends, and with an assurance that God will be in the future as we get there.

The words of scripture can be our lasting guide. “Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall all be changed.

For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality”.

1 Corinthians 15: 51-53.

Stuart-McAllister

Stuart McAllister serves as Global Support specialist, RZIM Inc.

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