July 26

The word of the LORD came to me, "Son of man, behold, I am about to take the delight of your eyes away from you at a stroke; yet you shall not mourn or weep, nor shall your tears run down.
Ezekiel 24:15 ESV

Ezekiel was a prophet. The LORD warned him that his wife would die suddenly, as a warning to Israel that the temple, which was the light of Israel's eyes, would suddenly be taken and profaned. It is such a hard prophecy and difficult to understand.

First, Ezekiel's wife would be with the LORD. The glory of eternity cannot compare with the world. 
Second, Ezekiel, as a prophet knew that all he had--calling, family, home, every single thing and person and possession--belonged to the LORD. Ezekiel held it in trust from God.
Third, this lesson is for us, when we mourn the loss of someone, it is deeply painful, but for believers in Christ there is profound hope. The Spirit of God seals our faith and guards us in Christ until faith becomes sight. Finally, all suffering is used by God our Father--to refine us, correct us, discipline us and so on. Christ Himself was made perfect through suffering. God is not imposing on us something He Himself has not endured. Christ suffered more intensely than any other human. Suffering by the Hand of God is painful but necessary for the Christian so that we let go of our sin and rebellion and learn to cling to Him alone.

God my Father, when I suffer, let the Spirit guide me in the Word, in prayer, and in hope that clings ever more tightly to Christ. When I do not have the strength to hold on to You, thank You for the words of Christ--none shall snatch the believer from My Father's Hand. Sustain those around me who are suffering. 
May we, in true community rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.
Amen.