Resurrecting Hope: A Biblical Perspective on Loss

September 9

I've been reflecting on the people who have passed away in my life: my wife, my mother, my father, a dear friend, and someone I was providing care for. Their absence has left a significant void in my life. This experience of loss is a universal human struggle, both physically and emotionally.

Turning to Scripture in search of solace and answers, I recently came across a teaching about approaching the courts of heaven to present our cases before God the Father, the ultimate judge (Matthew 6:9-10). In this process, we bring forth the accuser or the source of harm or wrong (Revelation 12:10). The Bible suggests that we are seated in heavenly places with Christ (Ephesians 2:6), even though we cannot perceive it physically; it's a matter of faith. While we engage in various earthly activities, such as walking, sitting, or going about our daily routines, there is no visible court of heaven for our physical eyes. This spiritual concept requires us to believe that we are indeed seated in heavenly places with Christ.

Scriptures also imply that we can access these heavenly realms. One passage (Hebrews 4:16) encourages us to boldly enter the throne room of grace. Additionally, the Bible speaks of Jesus as our advocate (1 John 2:1), highlighting numerous references to judicial matters, courts, and evidence.Hebrews describes faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). In the book of Job, the devil is depicted as the accuser of the brethren (Job 1:6), further emphasizing courtroom terminology. The Bible states that when a thief is caught, they must repay sevenfold (Proverbs 6:31), reinforcing the idea of a judicial process.

Reflecting on the story of Job, where the devil accused him before God and received permission to harm him, it's clear that God allowed this trial to occur. However, Job never turned on God, and in the end, he received double restoration for his losses (Job 42:10). Returning to the contemplation of the deaths of my family members and loved ones, I acknowledge that death is ultimately a consequence of sin, introduced into the world by the serpent or the devil (Genesis 3:1-24). Nevertheless, the Bible affirms that Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).

The disconnect I feel is my desire to tap into this reality, to move beyond the pain and void left by death. Scripture encourages us to rejoice when a saint dies because they enter a better place, heaven (Revelation 14:13). However, those left behind must grapple with the reality of loss. I am now pondering the possibility of addressing this loss in the courts of heaven. Just as Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44), the Bible affirms that Jesus has power over death. While I may not comprehend how this transformation will occur, I firmly believe that with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).

I am reminded of Martha's initial doubt when Lazarus died, thinking it was too late for a resurrection. Yet, the same Jesus who stood before Martha stands with me now, seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus, my Lord and Savior (Ephesians 2:6). As I contemplate this, I realize that I don't have to remain in grief or sadness. With Jesus, the resurrection is here, and I am summoning the sevenfold restoration for the losses caused by death in the courts of heaven, firmly rooted in my faith (Matthew 18:19-20).

It is essential to recognize our position when we approach God in faith. Although I cannot see the spiritual courtroom with my physical eyes, I know it exists in my heart and mind, as affirmed by Scripture. I take my requests before the God the judge, with Jesus as my advocate, asking for resolution in my life and the restoration of what the devil stole, both emotionally and physically (1 Timothy 2:5). I believe that God can turn things around, just as He did with Job, and I am hopeful for the resurrection of what was lost. Even those who have passed away can be seen as seeds planted, and I anticipate a harvest of resurrection life in my life and the lives of those around me (John 12:24-25).

This is not a hopeless endeavor; there is hope in the light of God's Word. I am expecting a harvest of resurrection life, guided by the principles of the kingdom of God: seedtime and harvest (Galatians 6:7-9). Seated in heavenly places with Christ, I am seeking to reverse the negative aspects of life and bring forth the positive, all through faith in Jesus Christ and His redemptive work on the cross (Colossians 1:13-14). The devil, the thief, is judged (John 10:10), and I appeal to the blood of Christ (Ephesians 1:7), the resurrection (Romans 8:11), and the evidence found in the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16) as I present my case to God the Father. I firmly believe that He is transforming death into life, ushering in a season of resurrection.