Joy in sorrow

Several months ago, Carol and I were in San Diego, Calif., to officiate at a military funeral for a good friend: Victor Yost.

Vic was a World War II veteran, and served on the USS Yorktown, CV-5, with my father. The Yorktown was sunk in the Battle of Midway, but most of the crew survived. Vic and my father were members of the USS Yorktown CV-5 Survivor's Club, and dad was the chaplain. When I attended the CV-5 Reunion in 2006 in Albuquerque, N.M., only 20 survivors were in attendance, along with family members and friends.

When Dad died -- I call it "graduating" -- in February 2010 at the age of 89, I was asked to take his place as chaplain. Nine members plus family members and friends attended the 2010 Reunion in Little Rock. Now, five years later, Vic left this life at 94 years of age. It's always sad to see a loved one depart this life, and we deceive ourselves if we deny it. But the end of life on earth is not the end of the story.

Vic Yost and dad were Christians, and we know where they are: in heaven. Death for a Christian is a joyful kind of sorrow: although we're glad they no longer suffer, it still hurts to say "goodbye." But when a Christian dies -- or "graduates" -- the goodbye is not final.

First Thessalonians 4:13-14 is the basis for our joy in sorrow. It says: "And now, brothers and sisters, I want you to know what will happen to the Christians who have died so you will not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with Jesus all the Christians who have died. (NCV)" Therefore, death for the Christian is only a temporary parting.

Does everyone go to heaven? I wish everyone did. I've thought long and hard about it over the years, and I shudder to think what many folk are experiencing who died without submitting their lives to Jesus Christ. I fear for those who will yet reject Christ knowing that, after death, they will live throughout eternity in torment. Although God wants all people to be in heaven (John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9), not all people go there.

But if you're breathing, it's not too late. As the man on the cross, adjacent to Jesus at Calvary, asked for forgiveness in his last hour of life and entered paradise, we also can repent and go to heaven.

The only way to heaven is to choose to live for Christ and obey Him while we are yet alive. Jesus died to redeem mankind. Defeating death, He returned to life and lives forever. He wants you to live forever with Him. In heaven you will never have to lock your doors again. You'll never be afraid or be hurt again. There will be no more death. However, before Jesus returns, we get to heaven by going through the door called death.

What does that feel like? Many times our kids fell asleep on the couch or on the floor of the living room but woke up in their bed. In the morning they asked, "How did I get here?" My precious wife told them, "After you fell asleep, your father picked you up and took you to your room."

That's what death is like for the Christian. Whether we leave this life because of sickness, an accident, or old age, we merely fall asleep here in our "living room," but we wake up in Heaven because our Father takes us to our new home." A Christian should never fear death.

Are you living the way God wants you to live? If you died today would you go through the door that I call LIFE and live with Jesus, or go through the other door? Is there anything you need to ask God to forgive you for? Don't be afraid to talk to God about it. He loves you very much and wants to forgive you. He wants you in Heaven with Him (2 Peter 3:9).

Vic and dad were shipmates and friends in this life, and they are continuing their friendship in heaven. Who knows: They may be visiting together right now.

For the Christian, there can be joy in sorrow.

-- Gene Linzey is a speaker, author, and former pastor. Send comments and questions to [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.