The Bitter Taste

Written by Pastor Steve Nickodemus.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.” John 16:20b

Here is a picture of my grandson, Jacob, drinking “Lithia water” in Ashland, Oregon. This naturally occurring mineral water packs quite a bitter taste, but contains many healthy ingredients.

Grief is like that mineral water. The deep pain of loss is hard to swallow, and affects us in physical, emotional, and spiritual ways. As you and I struggle with death, and separation, it is hard to see any hope, or benefit, to such a painful experience.

However, out of deep grief can come empathy, perseverance, and yes even joy. Our Lord Jesus tells His disciples, in John 16, that they will grieve at His suffering, and death,as well as at the deep pangs of loss at the cross, but that their grief will turn to joy. For from Jesus’ suffering and death comes the atonement, the payment for all our sins. From His sacrifice comes the hope of all sinners, and from His death springs the resurrection from the dead.

For when a believer stands at the grave of a loved one, it is not the end. Though the taste of death is bitter, death is not the end for God’s people. Grief will turn to joy, and death will turn to life. As surely as Jesus Christ rose from the dead, we too shall live.

In the midst of the grief, and the loss, our faith grows, and grasps the joys of heaven, and peace, in eternal life. Do you struggle with grief and loss today? Do not despair! Jesus’ promise is for you! “You will grieve, but your grief will be turned to joy.” Christ has died. Christ has risen!  We too shall live in joy with Him forever! Amen!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado.