DAY 4: Comfort from Death

Recently, Tanisha’s dad passed away. She misses her dad every single day. She and her mom are alone and are experiencing all of the sadness that comes from losing a loved one. Moreover, when a dad passes away, there tends to be a sense of fear. What will happen to us now? Has God left us?

God allowed Moses to lead the people of Israel for a number of years. When God led the people out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, to Mt. Sinai, through the 40 years of wilderness wanderings, and to the edge of the promised land of Canaan, Moses was there. Moses was God’s chosen leader. And then, Moses died. The man who seemed to be everywhere and in good health suddenly died. The people buried Moses somewhere in the land of Moab. The entire nation was so sad that they mourned and cried for thirty days (Deuteronomy 34:4-8)

What would happen to the nation? Had God abandoned them? Was He going to leave them without a leader? Of course not. Though the people should be sad at Moses dying, they should not think that God has left them. In fact, our loving God had a good plan for His people. He selected Joshua (whose name means, ‘God’s salvation’) to be the next person to lead Israel.

I am sure that Joshua had internal fears and insecurities. I am sure that he probably felt as though he would not measure up to the great leader, Moses. But God did not call Joshua to lead like Moses. God called Joshua to be Joshua. Furthermore, He commanded Joshua, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

When Moses passed away, life changed. But our God, who is love, never changes, and He never leaves His people. He promised Joshua that He would be with him every day of his life, and there would never be a day when God abandoned him. God would be with him, protect him, help him, and shield him. Therefore, Joshua did not have to be afraid and was freed up to be brave, strong, and courageous. With God’s help, Joshua led Israel into the promised land of Canaan.

But at the end of the Book of Joshua, Joshua, like Moses, dies. But God did not leave His people or abandon them. Rather, He so loves His people that He sent them the Greater and Truer Joshua, Jesus Christ. Jesus would be the One who would save God’s people from their sins and give them salvation. And when Jesus died on the cross for our sins, death could not hold Him! Instead, Jesus defeated death by rising from the dead three days later!

Therefore, not only has Jesus purchased us salvation, but now, we do not have to fear death. Every single person who trusts Jesus with saving faith knows without question that when we pass away that we have eternal life. This is the heart of the Gospel. We are freed up to be strong and courageous in the Lord and do not have to fear.

Let us pray for Tanisha and her mom. Let’s pray that God helps them, comforts them, and consoles their hearts. But let’s also pray that they come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior so that they never have to fear. Be strong and courageous in Jesus.