ODE to WARRIORS

 

2 Corinthians 5:8

King James Version

8 We are confident, I say, 

and willing rather to be absent from the body, 

and to be present with the Lord.

He nary had a complaint.

Through all the years of his suffering.

He made sure no one knew.

He didn't want to bother anyone.

He just showed up at work, rain or shine.

And always kept a gleeful, agreeable face.

Being generous of heart, always.

Calling no attention to himself.

Until such time it was too late.

The infection had spread.

Of course, I saw the limp.

I heard the pain.

I saw the struggle.

I did what I could, given what he would allow.

But the rest of the time, he suffered quietly on.

My brother had not lost the fight.

He had won life with JESUS.

Warriors can be found at home, and in the workplace.

Not just in battlefields.

They, who brave everyday storms, lashes, and crashes.

Even the bullying, criticisms, and mockery.

Again, this watchman was made witness to it all.

I had walked alongside members of my family who have gone on.

As I'm sure you have with yours, too.

Do you have such warriors in your lives?

The one who would keep on, no matter what?

Whether they were in pain, or not?

Uncomplainingly.

And then one day, GOD takes them home.

Ecclesiastes 12:7

King James Version

7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: 

and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

Again, we grieve.

But the born again knows the future, as GOD declared it.

Ezekiel 18:4

King James Version

4 Behold, 

all souls are mine; 

as the soul of the father, 

so also the soul of the son is mine: 

the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

John 3:16

King James Version

16 For God so loved the world, 

that he gave his only begotten Son, 

that whosoever believeth in him

 should not perish, 

but have everlasting life.

John 5:24

King James Version

24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, 

He that heareth my word, 

and believeth on him that sent me, 

hath everlasting life, 

and shall not come into condemnation; 

but is passed from death unto life.

We pray for our loved ones.

But our prayers are always subject to GOD's will.

Something the world struggles against.

1 John 5:14

King James Version

14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, 

that, if we ask any thing according to his will, 

he heareth us:

Only GOD sees right, knows right, will do right.

His ways are different from ours.

Acceptance is key to healing.

Isaiah 55:8-9

King James Version

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, 

neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, 

so are my ways higher than your ways, 

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Let us all honor these sturdy warriors who fought the good fight.

1 Timothy 6:12

King James Version

12 Fight the good fight of faith, 

lay hold on eternal life, 

whereunto thou art also called, 

and hast professed a good profession 

before many witnesses.

And those who bravely ran the race.

Hebrews 12:1-2

King James Version

12 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about 

with so great a cloud of witnesses, 

let us lay aside every weight, 

and the sin which doth so easily beset us, 

and let us run with patience 

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus 

the author and finisher of our faith; 

who for the joy that was set before him 

endured the cross, 

despising the shame, 

and is set down at the right hand 

of the throne of God.

These warriors are with JESUS now.

Especially those who believe He is Savior, and Son of GOD.

Satan can never have believers.

The LORD JESUS has already conquered death, and the devil.

Hebrews 2:14 

King James Version

14 Forasmuch then as the children 

are partakers of flesh and blood, 

he also himself likewise took part of the same; 

that through death he might destroy him 

that had the power of death, 

that is, the devil;

For all who grieve, please find help, healing, and comfort from this blog.

SPIRIT, and Scripture are your best friends in your most trying times.

GOD be with us all.

Related material:

WHAT makes GOD answer a PRAYER?

GRIEF therapy

GOD's GLORY blogs

BORN AGAIN classics

Related video:

What HAPPENS When YOU DIE | Speaker: Dr. David Reagan

Image: Clipart Library

When JESUS resurrected

 Matthew 28:2-4

King James Version

2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: 

for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, 

and came and rolled back the stone from the door, 

and sat upon it.

3 His countenance was like lightning, 

and his raiment white as snow:

4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, 

and became as dead men.

We know what happened after JESUS died.

We also know how He was buried.

We know He prophesied He will rise on the third day.

Mark 9:31

King James Version

31 For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, 

The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, 

and they shall kill him; 

and after that he is killed, 

he shall rise the third day.

What happened during the Resurrection?

Remember, guards were put in place at the tomb.

There are varying accounts, but we know these when JESUS resurrected:

1. The angel of the Lord "rolled back the stone from the door".

2. The Resurrection happened after the sabbath.

3. Three women saw two angels in the tomb, but no JESUS.

4. The women were tasked to announce that JESUS was risen.

5. Mary Magdalene was first to see, and talk to JESUS.

All four gospels attest to it:

Matthew 28:1

King James Version

28 In the end of the sabbath, 

as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, 

came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary 

to see the sepulchre.

Matthew 28:5-8

King James Version

5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, 

Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, 

which was crucified.

6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. 

Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

7 And go quickly, 

and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; 

and, behold, 

he goeth before you into Galilee; 

there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre 

with fear and great joy; 

and did run to bring his disciples word.

Mark 16:1-10

King James Version

16 And when the sabbath was past, 

Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, 

and Salome, had bought sweet spices, 

that they might come and anoint him.

2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, 

they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

3 And they said among themselves, 

Who shall roll us away the stone 

from the door of the sepulchre?

4 And when they looked, 

they saw that the stone was rolled away: 

for it was very great.

5 And entering into the sepulchre, 

they saw a young man sitting on the right side, 

clothed in a long white garment; 

and they were affrighted.

6 And he saith unto them, 

Be not affrighted: 

Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: 

he is risen; he is not here: 

behold the place where they laid him.

7 But go your way, 

tell his disciples and Peter 

that he goeth before you into Galilee: 

there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.

8 And they went out quickly, 

and fled from the sepulchre; 

for they trembled and were amazed: 

neither said they any thing to any man; 

for they were afraid.

9 Now when Jesus was risen early 

the first day of the week, 

he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, 

out of whom he had cast seven devils.

10 And she went and told them 

that had been with him, 

as they mourned and wept.

Luke 24:1-10

King James Version

24 Now upon the first day of the week, 

very early in the morning, 

they came unto the sepulchre, 

bringing the spices which they had prepared, 

and certain others with them.

2 And they found the stone rolled away 

from the sepulchre.

3 And they entered in, 

and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

4 And it came to pass, 

as they were much perplexed thereabout,

 behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

5 And as they were afraid, 

and bowed down their faces to the earth, 

they said unto them, 

Why seek ye the living among the dead?

6 He is not here, but is risen: 

remember how he spake unto you 

when he was yet in Galilee,

7 Saying, 

The Son of man must be delivered 

into the hands of sinful men, 

and be crucified, 

and the third day rise again.

8 And they remembered his words,

9 And returned from the sepulchre, 

and told all these things unto the eleven*, 

and to all the rest.

10 It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, 

and Mary the mother of James, 

and other women that were with them, 

which told these things unto the apostles.

John 20:1-18

King James Version

20 The first day of the week 

cometh Mary Magdalene early, 

when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, 

and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, 

and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, 

and saith unto them, 

They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, 

and we know not where they have laid him.

3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, 

and came to the sepulchre.

4 So they ran both together: 

and the other disciple did outrun Peter, 

and came first to the sepulchre.

5 And he stooping down, and looking in, 

saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.

6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, 

and went into the sepulchre, 

and seeth the linen clothes lie,

7 And the napkin, that was about his head, 

not lying with the linen clothes, 

but wrapped together in a place by itself.

8 Then went in also that other disciple, 

which came first to the sepulchre, 

and he saw, and believed.

9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, 

that he must rise again from the dead.

10 Then the disciples went away again 

unto their own home.

11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: 

and as she wept, she stooped down, 

and looked into the sepulchre,

12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, 

the one at the head, and the other at the feet, 

where the body of Jesus had lain.

13 And they say unto her, 

Woman, why weepest thou? 

She saith unto them, 

Because they have taken away my Lord,

 and I know not where they have laid him.

14 And when she had thus said, 

she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, 

and knew not that it was Jesus.

15 Jesus saith unto her, 

Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? 

She, supposing him to be the gardener, 

saith unto him, 

Sir, if thou have borne him hence, 

tell me where thou hast laid him, 

and I will take him away.

16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. 

She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; 

which is to say, Master.

17 Jesus saith unto her, 

Touch me not; 

for I am not yet ascended to my Father: 

but go to my brethren, and say unto them, 

I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; 

and to my God, and your God.

18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples 

that she had seen the Lord, 

and that he had spoken these things unto her.

What happened when JESUS showed Himself to His apostles?

Click here for that post.

*NOTE:

In Luke's gospel, the three women told 11 apostles that JESUS had risen.

Why only 11?

Judas had betrayed CHRIST.

What became of him?

These verses tell us.

Related material:

The RESURRECTION

Image: Free Bible Images

After JESUS died

 

Romans 8:38-39

King James Version

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, 

nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, 

nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, 

shall be able to separate us from the love of God, 

which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What happened after JESUS died?

What did His disciples do?

How did they react?

What events occurred?

To know all that, we turn to the FOUR gospels:

Matthew 27:50-51

King James Version

50 Jesus, 

when he had cried again with a loud voice, 

yielded up the ghost.

51 And, behold, the veil of the temple 

was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; 

and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

Matthew 27:54-66

King James Version

54 Now when the centurion, 

and they that were with him, watching Jesus, 

saw the earthquake, 

and those things that were done, 

they feared greatly, saying, 

Truly this was the Son of God.

55 And many women were there beholding afar off, 

which followed Jesus from Galilee, 

ministering unto him:

56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, 

and Mary the mother of James and Joses, 

and the mother of Zebedees children.

57 When the even was come, 

there came a rich man of Arimathaea, 

named Joseph, 

who also himself was Jesus' disciple:

58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. 

Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

59 And when Joseph had taken the body, 

he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

60 And laid it in his own new tomb, 

which he had hewn out in the rock: 

and he rolled a great stone 

to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.

61 And there was Mary Magdalene, 

and the other Mary, 

sitting over against the sepulchre.

62 Now the next day, 

that followed the day of the preparation, 

the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate,

63 Saying, 

Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, 

while he was yet alive, 

After three days I will rise again.

64 Command therefore 

that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, 

lest his disciples come by night, 

and steal him away, and say unto the people, 

He is risen from the dead: 

so the last error shall be worse than the first.

65 Pilate said unto them, 

Ye have a watch: 

go your way, make it as sure as ye can.

66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, 

sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

Mark 15:37-47

King James Version

37 And Jesus cried with a loud voice, 

and gave up the ghost.

38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain 

from the top to the bottom.

39 And when the centurion, 

which stood over against him, 

saw that he so cried out, 

and gave up the ghost, he said, 

Truly this man was the Son of God.

40 There were also women looking on afar off: 

among whom was Mary Magdalene, 

and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, 

and Salome;

41 (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, 

and ministered unto him;) 

and many other women 

which came up with him unto Jerusalem.

42 And now when the even was come, 

because it was the preparation, that is, 

the day before the sabbath,

43 Joseph of Arimathaea, 

an honourable counsellor, 

which also waited for the kingdom of God, 

came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, 

and craved the body of Jesus.

44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: 

and calling unto him the centurion, 

he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

45 And when he knew it of the centurion, 

he gave the body to Joseph.

46 And he bought fine linen, 

and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, 

and laid him in a sepulchre 

which was hewn out of a rock, 

and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

47 And Mary Magdalene 

and Mary the mother of Joses beheld 

where he was laid.

Luke 23:44-56

King James Version

44 And it was about the sixth hour*, 

and there was a darkness over all the earth 

until the ninth hour.

45 And the sun was darkened, 

and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.

46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, 

he said, 

Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and 

having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, 

he glorified God, saying, 

Certainly this was a righteous man.

48 And all the people that came together to that sight, 

beholding the things which were done, 

smote their breasts, and returned.

49 And all his acquaintance, 

and the women that followed him from Galilee, 

stood afar off, beholding these things.

50 And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, 

a counsellor; 

and he was a good man, and a just:

51 (The same had not consented 

to the counsel and deed of them;) 

he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: 

who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

52 This man went unto Pilate, 

and begged the body of Jesus.

53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, 

and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, 

wherein never man before was laid.

54 And that day was the preparation, 

and the sabbath drew on.

55 And the women also, 

which came with him from Galilee, 

followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, 

and how his body was laid.

56 And they returned, 

and prepared spices and ointments; 

and rested the sabbath day 

according to the commandment.

John 19:30-42

King James Version

30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, 

he said, It is finished: 

and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

31 The Jews therefore, 

because it was the preparation, 

that the bodies should not remain upon the cross 

on the sabbath day, 

(for that sabbath day was an high day,) 

besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, 

and that they might be taken away.

32 Then came the soldiers, 

and brake the legs of the first, 

and of the other which was crucified with him.

33 But when they came to Jesus, 

and saw that he was dead already, 

they brake not his legs:

34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, 

and forthwith came there out blood and water.

35 And he that saw it bare record, 

and his record is true: 

and he knoweth that he saith true, 

that ye might believe.

36 For these things were done, 

that the scripture should be fulfilled, 

A bone of him shall not be broken.

37 And again another scripture saith, 

They shall look on him whom they pierced.

38 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, 

being a disciple of Jesus, 

but secretly for fear of the Jews, 

besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: 

and Pilate gave him leave. 

He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

39 And there came also Nicodemus, 

which at the first came to Jesus by night, 

and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, 

about an hundred pound weight.

40 Then took they the body of Jesus, 

and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, 

as the manner of the Jews* is to bury.

41 Now in the place where he was crucified 

there was a garden; 

and in the garden a new sepulchre, 

wherein was never man yet laid.

42 There laid they Jesus therefore 

because of the Jews' preparation day; 

for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

Is it any wonder we love GOD?

He gave us JESUS.

Is is any wonder we love JESUS?

He taught us about GOD.

Is it any wonder we love the HOLY SPIRIT?

He teaches us about JESUS.

From the verses above, there is much for me to ponder on.

Starting with His burial.

Related material:

The HIGH PRIEST's burial

*Jewish Traditions for Death, Burial, and Mourning

Image: Free Bible Images

Grief therapy the HEALING way

 

2 Corinthians 5:8

King James Version

8 We are confident, I say, 

and willing rather to be absent from the body, 

and to be present with the Lord.

It's something that perplexes me.

This thing about taking out stuff.

Things that belong to someone who've passed on.

You know, like what they do in the movies.

Once a person's gone, you put their stuff in boxes.

And you store it away.

Or give it away.

Others throw it away.

Some even sell it.

Others burn the clothes.

Now, why would you do that?

What superstition could be attached to those?

I don't know about you but I can't take away that person's stuff.

Because I love that person.

I want to preserve EVERY memory of that person.

Why would I throw away what I saw them wear?

At least, their favorite clothes.

Their favorite cups.

Their favorite little things.

The scent they've left in their clothes.

Our favorite pictures of them.

Pictures that depict them as they are.

Pictures that have captured their colors, and personality.

Sure, it's mostly digital now.

Still, I have hard copies.

I'm a tactile person, I like stuff I can hold.

GOD gave us hands, didn't He?

So, what's a few things.

Or even a section of a room to preserve for that person?

How can I say I don't have the heart, or space, to keep them?

How can I ever scrap out such everyday memories?

How can I throw away wonderful memories?

I never look to the big stuff.

I always look to the simple, everyday stuff.

The heartfelt stuff.

It's not an altar.

If fresh flowers and a candle can be called such.

A few pictures to remember them by.

For me, it's just preserving a section of the room that person was in.

The walls that heard their laughter, or tears.

A sacred space reserved for them.

Would I want one for myself?

No.

I want it for them, as I live.

That's how much I love them.

And honor the life GOD gave them.

They were gifted to us by GOD.

Why should I forget them?

We hold the memory forever.

Yeah, but you need to move on, people say.

Move on to what?

To a world that is not of CHRIST?

To a world that is full of illusion?

To a world that belongs to the fallen one?

I'd much rather preserve the sacred memories of my loved ones.

And wait for that glorious day, as I work for CHRIST each day.

We shall all be changed during the Rapture.

I look forward to the Rapture, wherein the dead will join JESUS first.

In our new, changed bodies.

1 Corinthians 15:51-53

King James Version

51 Behold, 

I shew you a mystery; 

We shall not all sleep, 

but we shall all be changed,

52 In a moment, 

in the twinkling of an eye, 

at the last trump: 

for the trumpet shall sound, 

and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, 

and we shall be changed.

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, 

and this mortal must put on immortality.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

King James Version

16 For the Lord himself 

shall descend from heaven 

with a shout, 

with the voice of the archangel, 

and with the trump of God: 

and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain 

shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, 

to meet the Lord in the air: 

and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

With each item preserved, I remember each day with that person.

Of course, that's also if you've spent each day with that person.

I guess others can box things up, if they haven't spent much time together.

Perhaps, the pain is too great?

But in my beloved sister's case, it's all so different.

She was loved, and cared for.

She was cherished.

She was honored.

And she will be remembered forever.

The same goes for my father.

And brother.

And all who have gone on.

Ahead of me.

Related material:

We Shall ALL Be CHANGED

Who Shall DWELL in GOD's Holy Hill?

GRIEF therapy

Image: Clipart Library