I'm sure each have our own special memories of Tressa. Some special deed, word, time spent together. But I also know of the emptiness, sorrow, confusion that comes with the losing of a friend and loved one. Perhaps the greatest unasked question here this evening is the word why?
She was so young. She was so full of life. She had so much to give. A bill each would desire a personal word from God. The all-knowing and all powerful and all loving God. We cannot, but we do have his written word to us. For the next few minutes let's listen to what God's word says concerning the homegoing of his children.
I. Confusion
a. John 11:1-5, 19-22, 32-37
b. In verses 21, 32, and 37
1. Martha said it.
2. Mary said it.
3. Jesus said it.
c. You and I have said it, “If.”
d. The “Ifs” do not enter into God’s timing or His Word.
1. Hebrews 9:27
2. Ecclesiastes 9:5
3. James 4:14
4. God’s timing is never wrong!
a) We may not understand.
b) God is never early or late.
c) God has yet to make a mistake with mankind.
e. Times we feel death is a judgment or punishment. It is not necessarily so.
1. Death is the only means that God can transport us from this life to the next. 2 Corinthians 5:1, 6-10.
II. Compassion
a. In verse 11, at the time of death we see who our friends really are.
b. Jesus said, ‘Lazarus was dead, and I must go to him.”
c. Same is true with other Bible men:
1. Matthew 14:9-12, the disciples.
2. Luke 8:40, Jairus and his daughter.
d. Same is true with us.
1. Our real friends will come to us.
2. There's not much we can do, but we can recommend Jesus.
3. He will help, Hebrews 4:14-16
III. Unconditional
a. Many times, at death, we feel God must not love us. It is not so.
b. I'm happy to say, “God's love is never conditional.”
1. He loves us without condition.
2. Romans 5:8
3. 2 Corinthians 5:21
4. Romans 8:35-39
c. Death does not mean God does not love you.
1. Death does not mean that God does not love Tressa.
d. Death cannot rob us of our love, feelings, and memories of Tressa.
a. 1 Corinthians 15:54-57
IV. Verses 14-15, Show us How our Lord and the Bible Feels Concerning Death
a. Jesus was glad.
1. It means to rejoice.
2. To be of good cheer.
3. The only time the Bible says, “Jesus was glad.”
b. How can you and I rejoice in death?
1. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, comfort, and encouragement.
2. John 14:1-3, God promises.
3. Titus 2:3 and 1 Corinthians 15:19, hope.
4. Psalm 116:15, precious in the sight.
5. Acts 7:56-60, Jesus standing.
6. Philippians 1:20, To die is gain.
