3:306 – All Saint’s Day

#faithbites #faithjourney Saint’s

Setting

Today we observed all Saint’s Day during church. This is the day to remember everyone who has passed during the previous year. It is a sad day for many as we think about what we have lost. In our family alone, we’ve lost my father-in-law and grandfather-in-law. It is a sad day.

Today we observed all Saint’s Day during church. This is the day to remember everyone who has joined Jesus during the previous year. It is a happy day as we see God’s promises realized. In our family alone, we’ve seen my father-in-law and grandfather-in-law be reunited with Chris. It is a happy day.

All Saint’s Day is a tough one as we see both the light and the sadness. We get to see our faith in action as God fulfils his promises.

Scripture

• John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
• John 5:24 – Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
• Luke 23:43 – And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Reflection

Even God experienced the joy and sadness we experience in all Saint’s Day. He gave his son (death), so we could be reunited (life). How amazing is that. We get to see Jesus at the right hand of the Father when we die. We will see our loved ones again and be in paradise.

We have nothing to fear as his promises will be realized.

Sure it is hard when we say goodbye to our friends and relatives. We feel and emptiness in our hearts and homes as they are no longer with us. We need to remember that at the center of our faith is our Savior who died, was raised from the dead and sits at the right hand of the Father. We get to experience that.

So yes, we are sad and we mourn.

So yes, we are joyful as we realize God has kept his promises.

Challenge

No challenge today, just remember that we have life after death through Christ.

Prayer

Father God, we pray for comfort and peace during this time of remembrance and mourning as we say goodbye to all the people who have joined you on the past year. We are sad but know they are with you and receiving all of your gifts. You have kept your promise. We pray that you help us remember why we have faith and why we believe in you. Thank you, God. We are blessed to be loved by you. In your heavenly name, Amen.