We recently observed Memorial Day with special remembrances of our military men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I also think we can remember loved ones who are no longer with us. We can celebrate the memories of all those who have gone before us, and we should.
The Bible says that for those of us who have our hope set in Christ, a better day exists. The Bible says that if we've accepted Jesus Christ into our hearts there will be a day when we can be with Him and reunite with those who are already gone.
In 2 Samuel we learn about King David's great sin; and, that as a consequence of this sin, a child was born. Today we aren't going to talk about David's sin; but we will talk about the child and David's hope. 2 Samuel 12:15 says, " ... And the Lord afflicted the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and he became sick." And we learn that David was seen 7 days laying on the ground crying and praying for that child. He didn't eat, drink, sleep, or bathe.
" On the seventh day the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to him, and he did not listen to us. How then can we say to him the child is dead? He may do himself some harm.” But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David understood that the child was dead. And David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” They said, “He is dead.” Then David arose from the earth and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes. And he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. He then went to his own house. And when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate. Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’"
In verse 23 we see David's grand hope: "But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.”
So, if you want to see those who are now gone you need to be in communion with God. Those who are gone can't come back to you, but you can go to them if Christ is in your heart.
