Heavenbound

(Original appeared May 24, 2016)

“’O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor 15:55-57

Today we celebrate Jacob’s homecoming into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior. Jacob was unable to recover from the stress of the surgery. His heart was already weak and just was not up to the task. The surgery took place about 3pm on Monday afternoon, and Jacob passed just after 1am Tuesday morning.
We know that Jesus has welcomed him, to join him at a seat on his lap, rejoicing that another lamb has returned to him. And while Deb, Addison and I (along with our entire family) mourn bitterly, we receive great comfort and overwhelming peace with this knowledge. How do I know this is true? Because Jesus took the time to tell us precisely that very thing.

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?  And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.” Matt 18:10-14

God’s design for us did not include this brokenness. He did not intend for Jacob to struggle, or for us to mourn. Instead, understanding the brokenness, God sent His son for us. What comfort we have knowing that our God, who lost his very own son, feels our sorrow and pain at this moment. What a relief to know that, having felt it himself, He will grant us the peace we need to keep going forward.

We will struggle with the “Why?” questions, and the various temptations to be angry and upset for quite some time. I just can’t imagine facing all of that without the knowledge – the firm grasp and conviction – that Jacob is safe at home. I hope to continue this journal for a little while longer simply because it will help Deb and I to purge. Feel free to stay along with us as long as you wish.  But for now, we want to you to grab your kids and hug them tight. Look them in the eye and tell them that they are loved. Treat them as the precious gifts that they are. Do not let even one of them be despised or go astray.
Our little boy has left us for now, but we will reunite with him in the midst of God’s great glory. And I am sure He will give Deb and I a wink and say “I told you… I’ve got this.”