Introduction

Today, we gather here in sorrow and grief. We mourn the loss of __________, and our hearts ache. It is not easy, and everything may not feel alright at this moment. We are hurting, and we know that this pain will linger for a while. When we lose someone we love, it brings immense sadness. Relationships come with a price, and that price includes moments of joy as well as moments of sorrow. But despite the pain, relationships are worth it. We are here today because we have lost a loved one, and it hurts.

Embracing Grief

I encourage you to embrace your grief. Allow yourself to grieve deeply and fully. Do not try to push it away or deny its presence. Acknowledge the loss and mourn what is gone. Grieve honestly, with love and patience, until you have emptied your cup of sorrow. There is no other way to find healing and wholeness than by facing the reality of what life brings.

Finding Hope in the Story of Lazarus

However, amidst our grief, I want to offer a word of comfort. I want to share a story with you today, a true story found in the Bible, in the book of John, chapter 11. It is a story of death, but also a story of life. It is a story that brings hope in the midst of despair. It is a story of miracles that took place over 2000 years ago.

In a little village called Bethany, not far from Jerusalem, there lived a family who experienced a similar loss. Two sisters named Martha and Mary had lost their beloved brother Lazarus. They were devastated by his passing, for they loved him deeply. Lazarus had many friends, one of whom was Jesus.

Jesus was a well-known figure, a traveling preacher who taught from the Bible and performed miracles. He had turned water into wine, healed the sick and disabled, restored sight to the blind, and even raised the dead. It is no wonder that Martha went out to meet Jesus when she heard he was in town. She approached him and expressed her grief, saying, "Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died."

The Reality of Loss

In times of sorrow, we often find ourselves hoping for something different, wishing things had turned out otherwise. We say, "If only..." If only we had done things differently, sought treatment earlier, or made different choices. If only God had intervened. But we cannot live in a world of "if only." We must face the reality that bad things happen to good people. We live in a world where sickness, accidents, and death are part of life's journey. It is the nature of our existence. While we may hope for divine intervention, sometimes God allows us to experience pain and loss.

The Promise of Jesus

Yet, Jesus did not leave Martha without hope. He offered her a promise, saying, "Your brother will rise again. He will live again. Whoever believes in me, even though they die, will live. And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

Martha responded with faith and hope, saying, "Yes, Lord. I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God."

In that moment, something changed in Martha's life. She had started the day facing death and ended it with eternal life. She had begun the day with doubts and sadness but found joy and assurance in Jesus. By putting her faith in him, everything changed. She found hope and eternal life.

Miracles of Life and Faith

In our story, two miracles occurred that day. The first miracle was Martha's decision to trust in Christ and believe in him. By placing her faith in Jesus, her life was transformed forever. She received the gift of eternal life. The second miracle happened after Martha's conversation with Jesus. He went to the tomb where Lazarus was buried and commanded the stone to be removed. Then, Jesus called out, "Lazarus, come out!" Miraculously, Lazarus emerged from the grave, his dead body brought back to life. Another miracle had taken place.

Jesus is in the business of performing miracles. That is his nature. He can raise the dead, but he can also change lives.

Invitation to Hope

Today, we gather in grief, and I understand the pain we feel. But today can also be a day of hope. Today, we can put our trust in Christ. Today, we can believe in his promise. He said, "Whoever believes in me, even though they die, will live. And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die."

We will all face the end of our lives at some point. We will all encounter death. Yet, Jesus' words remain unchanged: "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die. Do you believe this?" If we believe, we have hope. If we believe, we have eternal life.

I urge you today to call upon Jesus. Say to him, "Yes, Lord, I believe." Invite him into your life, and a miracle will take place. You will receive the promise of eternal life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as we mourn the loss of __________ today, let us also find hope in the story of Lazarus. Let us embrace our grief and acknowledge the reality of loss. But let us not stop there. Let us put our trust in Jesus, who offers us the promise of eternal life. Let us believe in his power to perform miracles and transform our lives. Today, as we say goodbye to our loved one, let us also say hello to hope and the assurance of eternal life in Christ.

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