2 Kings 2:2–3 (ESV): So they went down to Bethel. 3 And the sons of the prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take away your master from over you?” And he said, “Yes, I know it; keep quiet.”
When the Lord takes a believer home, we haven’t lost them. We know exactly where they are. What a comforting thought to know our loved ones who received the Gospel are in the arms of Jesus. There is no better place to be!
When the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven, he and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal to Bethel. Elijah asked Elisha to stay in Gilgal, but he refused saying, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” This repeated three times. As they arrived at Jericho, they crossed over the Jordan. Elisha watched chariots of fire and horses of fire take Elijah to heaven. The sons of the prophets sent out a search party looking for Elijah. However, Elisha knew that he was with the Lord.
How do you respond when a Christian loved one is taken home? It's difficult, but as Paul reminds us, “We don't mourn as people who have no hope (1 Thess 4:13).” When my dad died, I didn't lose him, I knew exactly where he was. He went to heaven and what a blessing. He no longer has to contend with the chains of sin. He is truly free. This encourages me. I also know I will see him again. The Gospel declares this. So I choose to meditate on these things. “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you (Isa 26:3).”
Father, we thank You for comforting us when you take our loved ones home. Encourage us now if we are mourning as people who have no hope. You are our hope! In Jesus name, we pray, amen.
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