Weep not for the memories.” (My spirit prompted.)
April is a month that might bring sadness for those who remember
their loved ones who had passed on. It is also a solemn reminder of hope
and comfort for Christians. In 2025, Good Friday falls on April 18
followed by Easter on April 19. These two dates are very important to
believers. Each Gospel tells us about the life, ministry, death, and
resurrection of Jesus Christ. Towards the middle of each gospel, Jesus
talked about His impending death and resurrection on the third day. He
prepared the disciples mentally, emotionally and spiritually. (Matthew
16:21, Mark 8:31, Luke 9:22, John 11:25, 13:1) Indeed, the prophecies
about Jesus in the Old Testament and His predictions about His passion
and resurrection all came to pass. The historical fact of Christ’s
resurrection is confirmed by “many clear evidences” (Acts 1:3),
including his appearances to over five hundreds of His disciples after
He was raised from death, the amazing changes that the disciples
believed occurred after his resurrection, the irrefutable evidence of
his empty tomb, and the entire subsequent history of the Christian
church.
Matthew 16:21 predicted the coming of the Passion and Resurrection:
From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to
Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests and
scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised to life.
John 2:19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”
Matthew 17:22 While they were still in Galilee, Jesus said to his
disciples, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of
men 23 and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to
life. And they were greatly troubled.
Matthew 20:17-19 prophecy of crucifixion and resurrection: When Jesus
went up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside on the road
and said to them: 18 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son
of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they
will sentence him to death, 19 and to the Gentiles to mock and flog and
crucify him, and on the third day he will be raised.”
Matthew 26:32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee. ”
John 10:17 My Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may
take it again. 18 No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my
own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to
take it again. This command I have received from my Father.”
The resurrected Jesus commanded His disciples (us) to tell the world
about His (Jesus-the Son) deeds and His person. We are commanded to
share the gospel of Jesus with others (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8):
“Jesus died and rose again, and all who trust in Jesus and repent of
their sins will be forgiven and saved.”
The Psalms too, duly recorded many prophecies about Jesus’
crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection on the third day. The
reality of His resurrection has given Christians throughout the ages
sure assurance, comfort and hope, that this life on earth is not the
end, because believers are given another life, a far better life, which
is eternal.
Over a thousand years before Jesus was born, David prophesied Jesus’
resurrection as in psalms 16 and 22: Psalm 22:22 I will proclaim your
name to my brothers; in the midst of the church I will praise you.
Psalm 16:9-11 Therefore my heart is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my
flesh also dwells in hope. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
nor allow your Holy One to see corruption. 11 You will show me the path
of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy, and at your right
hand there are pleasures forevermore.
Today we continue to read a difficult verse in Psalm 116 in the light
of the New Testament revealed above. (Refer to the Berean Study Bible)
Psalm 116:15 “Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His saints/holy ones.”
Study Notes:
1. Jehovah
God’s covenant name, Jehovah, emphasizes His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people.
2. Author of Psalm 116
Traditionally believed to be written by David, the specific author of
Psalm 116 is unclear. The psalmist expressed gratitude for being
delivered from death.
3. Saints/Holy Ones
Refers to those who faithfully follow God, those who are set apart
for His will. In Hebrew, the word is (chasidav), which means His
faithful or godly ones.
“Precious in the eyes of the Lord”
This phrase emphasizes the importance God places on the life and
death of His faithful followers. In a biblical context, the word
“precious” usually refers to something that has great value or
significance. The Hebrew word used here can also mean “expensive” or
“rare,” indicating that God does not take the death of a saint lightly.
This reflects God’s close involvement and care for His people, as
described in other passages such as Psalm 72:14, where God is described
as valuing the lives of the poor. This statement emphasizes the personal
relationship between God and His followers, highlighting His
omniscience and compassion.
Psalm 72:14 (a psalm of Solomon) “He will redeem them from oppression and violence, and their blood is precious in His sight,”
The term “saint” refers to those whom God has set apart for Him, and
was often used in the Old Testament to describe faithful believers in
Israel. In the New Testament, it is extended to all who have faith in
Christ. The death of a saint is not seen as a loss, but rather a
transition to eternal life with God. This view is consistent with the
Christian belief in resurrection and eternal life, as described in 1
Thessalonians 4:13-14, where Paul comforts believers by giving them the
knowledge of those who have died in Christ. Theologically, this phrase
can be connected to the concept of martyrdom, where the death of a
believer is seen as a testimony to their faith and the glory of God.
Historically, the early church viewed martyrdom as a powerful witness to
the truth of the gospel, and this verse would provide comfort and
reassurance to those facing persecution.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 A Word of Comfort for the Believers Who Have
Died 13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, about those who
are asleep, so that you may not grieve as others who have no hope. 14
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring
with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
Summary:
The Value of Life and Death
God values the life and death of His saints. Our lives are precious
in His eyes, and our death is not a loss, but a transition to eternal
life with Him.
God’s Sovereignty and Care
This verse emphasizes God’s sovereignty and His intimate care for His
people. He is deeply involved in the lives of His saints, and their
death means a great deal to Him.
Hope Beyond Death
For believers, death is not the end, but the gateway to eternal life.
This perspective should bring comfort and hope, especially in times of
mourning.
Live Like Saints
As saints of God, we are called to live lives that reflect His
holiness and love. Our daily walk should reflect our faith in Him and
our commitment to Him.
Encouragement in Grief
This verse can comfort those who are grieving the loss of a loved one
who believed in the Lord, reminding them how precious their loved one’s
life and death are in God’s eyes.
Mathew 28 described on the day after the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and
the other Mary came to see the tomb and found that the stone was rolled
back and an angel told them this: 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as
He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and
tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is
going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have
told you.” 9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So
they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. 16 Then the
eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had
appointed for them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but
some doubted. 18-20 And Jesus came and spoke to them…(about the Great
Commission).
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Postscript: A personal note: Jesus said, “Rejoice!”
Jesus said, rejoice, and yet we weep. Why? Often it’s for the
memories that we have cherished our whole life, finding hard to
relinquish, having not yet tasted the other side, and thus we weep. The
more I read about the saints in the Bible, especially those who lived a
very long time, (for example, Enoch living 365 years, until God took him
away without seeing death) the more I think of how they were able to
perhaps outlive their loved ones and still spend quality time with God. I
believe it has to be the assurance of meeting their loved ones in
heaven that had pushed them on and on, walking each day, nearer and
nearer the goal.
If our loved ones see us and know our getting stuck in time past, this lyrics excerpt of a song may be appropriate:
“I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don’t let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories.” (Sarah McLachlan’s ‘Weep not for the memories’)
Post postsript: Just think, how long more can you afford to have your
car stalled at the memory cross road? You need to let not your life
pass you by. Don’t you think now is a good time to move on? Here, let Me
take over the steering, let go and let Me (The Spirit spoke).
20250410 Καὶnos noted.
Cherish but weep not for the memories.