Suffering: Bereavement, Like Jeremiah
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.
1 Thessalonians 4:13 (NIV)
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Matthew 5:4 (ESV)
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
Bereavement is a prolonged form of grief, a sadness or ongoing depression… following a loss of what we hold dear: family, friends, job, home, or way of life– by means of war, natural disasters, or crushing personal catastrophes.
Jeremiah, called “the weeping prophet,” felt a pain most Americans haven’t. He was called as a youth to speak for God, but his countrymen hated what he said.
The root of their scorn was idolatry! Many of the Jews worshipped worthless things, and Jeremiah called them out on it. Nevertheless, they clung to their idols.
Therefore, the Lord removed His protection, Israel was conquered by Babylon, and Jeremiah's bereavement was profound.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
What should you know about bereavement?
Our Captain suffers with us. 'Jesus wept' (John 11:35). 'In all their distress, He too was distressed, In His love and mercy, He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.' (Isaiah 63:9).
God promises: Joy comes in the morning. 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain' (Revelation 21:4): He will ‘Comfort all who mourn... [and] give them beauty for ashes' (Isaiah 61:2-3).
Sometimes, bereavement is necessary. 'It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn Your Decrees' (Psalm 119:71). 'I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me... The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit' (Psalm 34:4,18).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
If you’ve felt the despair of bereavement, I trust God’s comfort has pulled you through it.
But for those unfamiliar with Jesus, become His stand-ins. Weep with those who weep! Your acts of mercy can and will save lives!
Suffering: Bereavement, Like Jeremiah (Part 27)
* Excellent short article: What should we learn from the life of Jeremiah? Who was Jeremiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!