The loss of a loved one is a difficult and heart rending experience. 

Such loss began with the choice of Adam. He chose to disobey God and the result has been an inherited reign of sin and death.  Romans 5:12  “Therefore, just as through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned…”

But such loss touches the heart of God.  He permits the experience of sin and death only temporarily.

These losses touch the heart of God so deeply that He provided a way to reverse the sentence of death at great cost to Himself and to His Son.  “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son…”  John 3:16.

“…if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many”  Romans 5:16.  “Marvel not at this, but all that are in their graves shall hear the voice of the Son of Man and come forth…”  John 5:28-29

One place in the Scriptures that addresses the loss of loved ones is Matthew 2:16-18.  These verses record the dark time in history when King Herod had all male children in the area killed, two years old and under.  In Matthew 2:18, verses from the book of Jeremiah are quoted.  “Thus says the LORD, ‘A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping.  Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.”  Jeremiah 31:15

Then the final outcome of God’s intention in permitting such heartache is recorded.

“Thus says the LORD, ‘Restrain your voice from weeping, and eyes from tears; for your work shall be rewarded,’ declares the LORD, ‘and they shall return from the land of enemy.  And there is hope for you future,’ declares the LORD, ‘and your children shall return to their own territory.”  Jeremiah 31:16-17  This promise applies to all the loved ones lost throughout the history of man.

The experience of these losses through this reign of sin and death teaches our human family about the results of rebellion against God.  But, after the future resurrection on earth, these experiences will be remembered and applied, and there will be opportunity for all families and friends to be reunited in wholeness and healing and celebration of Life, on a restored earth, through the ministry of Jesus and His Bride.   Romans 8:19-21

“The ransomed of the LORD will return, [from death] and come with joyful shouting to Zion, with everlasting joy upon their heads.  They will find gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”  Isaiah 35:10