WEDNESDAY 6 April, 2016
When Bad News Arrives
And it came to pass, while they were on the way, that news came to David, saying, “Absalom has killed all the king’s sons, and not one of them is left!” So the king arose and tore his garments and lay on the ground, and all his servants stood by with their clothes torn. - 2 Samuel 13:30-31
This was the worst possible news to reach King David. When he heard all his sons were dead, he expressed the depth of his grief by tearing his garments and lying on the ground. Everyone one of his servants stood by their king and tore their own clothing as they united together in his grief.
There are times in our lives when terrible news will reach our ears. Many times unexpected death happens when we least expect it. People can react in different ways to bad news, especially over the death of a loved one. Most people are taken off guard by bad news and are left in shock. Family and friends will stand close to those grieving in a unified support. Yet they become speechless, as they do not know what to say to console them. The Bible tells us a simple yet profound way to enter into someone else’s sorrow: …weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15).
Remember a time when bad news reached Jesus? His close friend Lazarus was deathly sick (John 11:3). Mary and Martha became grief stricken; Jesus had delayed coming to them and their brother Lazarus died. Yet, in His humanity He showed sorrow; Jesus wept (John 11:35).
On this sad occasion, through His divinity, He gave eternal hope to Martha and said in John 11:25: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live… Do you believe this?”
When bad news arrives, to be comforted, ask yourself the same question.
Surely we will never be shaken; the righteous will be in everlasting remembrance. He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
~Psalm 112:6-7~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
