Young Adults' Group

Lessons Learnt About Death

by Pastor Mark
February 25, 2022

The sudden loss of a loved one

This week has been most difficult for the Chin family with the sudden passing of Joel Chin. Our hearts go out to the family in their time of deep grief. We thank God for the tremendous support of Bethany in rallying around the family through these last few days.

Facing the death of a loved one is never easy. But the occasion of death can also be an inspiring time of great learning as we are reminded that it is better to be in the house of mourning than to be in the house of feasting (Ecclesiastes 7:2). As we listened to the testimony of Lai Heong and the Word of God shared, I was moved and inspired. These are some of my reflections.

1. Reality of faith

It was inspiring to read and hear the testimony of Lai Heong concerning Joel. It very much reflected the reality of her faith in God. From the time that Joel was born with a “special” heart, she entrusted him into the Lord’s hand to care for and sustain him. This was evidenced throughout Joel’s life over the last 37 years. Lai Heong’s faith caused her to pray continually for Joel, especially through the many “pitstops” he had to make at the hospital when his heart needed to be addressed. She also believed that it was God’s perfect timing to bring Joel home to be with Him and it was well with her soul.

I was deeply moved by the reality of faith that Lai Heong demonstrated in facing such difficulties. Let us be challenged by her inspiring example to apply our faith and trust in the Lord no matter our circumstances.

2. A Word-related faith

A key thing about our faith is that it thrives on the Word of God. Death is an opportunity for us to learn, but our learning must come from the Lord’s Word. A most comforting word that Pastor gave was about seeing death as sleep. The Lord Jesus taught His disciples that death was seen only as sleeping, and He described Lazarus as only sleeping even though he was dead (John 11:11). The Lord challenged His disciples to believe in His words.

The apostle Paul followed the words of the Lord Jesus and wrote to the Thessalonian church concerning those who had died…that they were only sleeping (1 Thessalonians 4:13,14). Life does not end with death as it is only sleep. These words should comfort us too as we remember our loved ones who are asleep in Christ. Let us be challenged to have a faith that follows the words and thoughts of the Lord Jesus in facing our troubles.

3. Fullness of life

Do we have the faith to see that life does not only consist of life on this earth but also life in heaven? The Lord Jesus declared, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (John 11:25) Through the resurrection of Christ, there is the fullness of life that goes beyond this earthly life. The sting of death has been taken away and we can experience this fullness of life in heaven, where there is eternal life and no more pain and sorrow. There will come a time when God will bring with Christ those who are sleeping in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:14). It is all part of the glorious future that God has planned for us.

Let us be challenged and inspired to believe and have full hope in the Lord and His Word to help us through the difficult challenges of life and death.

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