No More Tears

Twelve years ago our family became a “golden” family. No, we did not discover a pot of gold! We did, however, discover a pot of golden hair that comes along with having a golden retriever as a family dog. We named our first golden Ruthie. Six months later we brought Ruthie’s husband Boaz home! So we then had two pots of golden hair throughout our house. With goldens we have come to accept that golden hair is a condiment in our home.

In those early years, we affectionately called Ruthie “Ruthifer,” as she “redecorated” several walls and remote controls. Unfortunately, goldens do not live forever and Ruthie is getting ready to pass on as she struggles with a form of cancer. Our hearts ache as we face this time of loss. Though our pets are with us for a relatively short time, they become members of our family and as I write this, I am fighting back tears of sorrow. The Apostle Paul said it this way,

We know that the whole creation (including Goldens I may add) has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:22-23, NIV).

I am so thankful for the words recorded by the Apostle John in Revelation 21:4-5. As I read this promise from our Lord recently in light of saying goodbye to Ruthie, I had tears of joy. Because of what our Savior, the Lord Jesus, did over 2000 years ago, those who place their faith in Him can anticipate with certainty a day of no more tears.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true” (Revelation 21:4-5, NIV).

What a promise! There is coming a day when our Savior will wipe away every tear from the eyes of His followers. When we experience the death of a loved one including a faithful pet, we know that this is not the way it is supposed to be. The good news of Jesus is that someday the old order of things that destroys “shalom—the way things should be” will no longer be in effect. People of faith rest in the promise that He will make all things new. The best is yet to come! This is the reason we can have joy even in our sorrow because these words “are trustworthy and true!”

Our hope and joy is found by trusting the One who is “faithful and true.”

Dr. David Ley is the President of Alaska Bible College