But my heart choked and I could feel tears in my eyes. I felt a little lost, a little empty. I told him that PawPaw was in a better place, that he didn't hurt anymore.
And as I told Joey where PawPaw was, my eyes filled with tears, I knew PawPaw was in a much better place, even though his going hurts our hearts. I just imagine him standing in heaven--standing, no cane, no weak legs--looking across this vast expanse of light smiling. For "the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb" (Rev. 21:23).
And then, it got me. He's free. I am sad at his going, but he is free. It was as if suddenly I remembered that well-quoted verse, "and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away" (Rev. 21:4).
He is standing in the presence of Jesus! What better place is there to be? He is in the place where thousands upon thousands sing, continually, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing" (Rev. 5:12). He is there in the kingdom of the One who so graciously saved his soul.
Oh, Hope beyond us all! What hope would there be in death, what consolation, without the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior? Even more than this our hope, PawPaw's hope, is in the One who has overcome!
"O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" (1 Cor. 15:55)
The grave has been conquered and victory is won. The power of sin and death are no more.
"Jesus has overcome, and the grave is overwhelmed.
Victory is won, He is risen from the dead!"
- I Will Rise, by Chris Tomlin
Victory is won, He is risen from the dead!"
- I Will Rise, by Chris Tomlin
Standing free, our father, our grandfather, our dear friend is standing in the place where there is no need for light--for God is the Light--and sings, "Worthy is the Lamb!"
What a glorious place to be!
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