Weep not for the memories.” (My spirit prompted.)
Cherish but weep not for the memories. 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.
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