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Dealing with the Shock of Death
In the Word
And there followed [Jesus] a great multitude of people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him (Luke 23:27).
Of the Word
As Jesus was being led away to be crucified, the community was in shock. Mourning and lamenting ensued. From triumph to tragedy, He was being led out of the city to die. Things had changed so quickly.
When news breaks of unexpected, often tragic, deaths in a community, the shock spreads rapidly. The lives of police officers, firefighters, public officials, even innocent children can be ended suddenly while going about their daily routines. Communities are shaken to the core in the wake of such deadly tragedies.
Coping with tragic community deaths is difficult. But Jesus understands such circumstances. He walked in them. He died for them. In the midst of mourning and lamenting He brings hope and consolation. St. Peter reminds us, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7 NIV). Tragic times call for transcending faith in Jesus who overcame death so we can spend eternity with Him.
Walking with my Lord
O Lord, help me to cope with death and tragedy in my community, looking to You for hope and consolation because You went the way of the cross for me and for my salvation. In Your holy name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 13/30 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40197
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
