The following entries came after the tragedy that claimed the life here on earth of Elisia our thirteen-year granddaughter. On April 18, 2022 the ATV on which she and her younger brother rode, overturned and Elisia, our sweet ballerina left this earth to be with her Lord and Savior. We know God’s promises that someday we’ll join with her at the last trump and the dead in Christ will rise to meet Jesus in the air and we who remain will follow. This mortal shall put on immortality and so forever we shall be with Him (1 Corinthians 15). But until then we miss our loved one dearly and deal with the grief at her untimely (in our eyes) passing. The following are devotional thoughts following that fateful day. The format is somewhat different than previous entries to allow for more personalization. The grief expressed is real as are God’s promises to ever be with us even in times of sorrow.
(April 18, 2022. Little did I imagine what would transpire on this day, the day after Easter, but here is what I read that morning)
Psalm 49:15 For God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: For He shall receive me, selah.
From the Lexicon: Redeem=ransom Power=hand Grave=Sheol (death) Receive=take up.
In other words: Psalm 49:15 God will ransom me from the hand of death and take me to myself.
Thoughts: You cannot read the Psalms and not have the feeling that the psalmists—primarily David believed in life after death. In this psalm is the promise: God will not leave my soul in death, there is more in store for those who trust in Him. The previous verses to this psalm describe the plight of those who trust in their own accomplishments. They shall be consumed.
But this psalm has greater meaning. Psalm 16:10 repeats the promise and adds to it. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption (ESV). Paul in a sermon at Pisidia quoted this verse in Acts 13:35 explaining it referred to the resurrection of Jesus.
That explains it. David had confidence in life after death because he knew one day the coming Messiah would rise from the grave. The fact of the Resurrection of Jesus makes all the difference for we who have received Him into our lives. We don’t serve a dead martyr but have a relationship with a living Savior. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:55-58 KJV)
Lord I pray for grace for me to keep my eyes on Calvary, knowing what You have done there for me and trust You for the life You give for all eternity.
(Postscript—I had no idea as I read these verses that day that my faith would be put to the test. Do I really believe in what I have written above? I conclude with what Peter said to Jesus, “Where else would we go? Only Thou hast the words of eternal life.”)