Loss is clarifying, but . . .

By Dean Collins

When we experience loss, we experience transitions.

 A diagnosis of diminished health results in many lifestyle adjustments. Tests, procedures, appointments, surgeries, medications—all these new experiences mean our life has changed.

The death of a friend or family member also triggers transition. Whether the loved one was your coworker, your coffee shop conversation buddy, or your lifelong spouse, losing them signals the start of a transition that continues for a long time. We may rejoice for a Christian friend whose death is a transition to pure joy. But for those who remain, life must go on even though it is different.

Transitions are often disorienting. New routines emerge. Sometimes these transitions bring clarity to our faith and even to our own identity, which may be tied to our roles and responsibilities. (To many I am a college president. But if my sense of worth or purpose were tied only to my job title, frankly I would be a wreck.) Roles and responsibilities come and go. If we put too much of our identity in them, we will soon find ourselves empty and in search of meaning and purpose.

Some transitions we choose, especially the pleasant ones. Deciding to marry, start a new job, have a baby, take up a hobby, build a house, or retire from a satisfying career may be exciting. But when we experience a sudden, involuntary transition, the disorientation can be especially daunting. Ask someone who recently was served in a legal suit, surprised by divorce, or suddenly forced to plan an unexpected funeral. They’ll tell you, if they have the energy even to speak, that it isn’t easy. They didn’t plan or expect these things, yet now the transitions begin.

Forced into exile

Perhaps this is how God’s beloved people felt when they were forced into exile in Babylon. They had seen Jerusalem tumble and the Temple destroyed. Now they lived as captives in a foreign land. As the prophet continues his word from God for the people of God, he brings hope. And hope begins with language that stirs memories of what God had done in the past and a reminder of Israel’s true identity. Unfaithfulness to God by leaders and followers led to captivity, but God’s mercy would lead them out of captivity. And it would begin with those who pursued righteousness even while in exile. The best time for faithfulness is in this moment, not only if God performs to our liking.

The best time for faithfulness is in this moment, not only if God performs to our liking.

As the exiles grieved their loss of people and places they once cherished, Isaiah called them to memory: “Remember both who you are and from where you came.”

“Look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, that I might bless him and multiply him. “

Throughout Scripture God is referred to as the Rock, our Rock of salvation and strength. It was God who created all people in his image. And it was God who once called Abraham from Ur of Babylon to the promised land. Now the prophet says the people of God might be called again from Babylon, and back to the promised places, and even to their rock of salvation.

A way forward

Isaiah referred not just to Abraham, the ancient father of Israel, but to Sarah their ancient mother. This reference would surely conjure memories that Sarah was once barren and empty, and it seemed impossible that she would give birth. Now as impossible as it might seem in their day, God would bring his people from the barrenness of captivity back to Jerusalem. He would remind them of their identity and that they had a place where they would worship and dwell again.

In our seasons of transition and uncertainty we must do as Isaiah called the captives to do. Remember we are God’s treasured possession. God will provide a way forward. As Isaiah’s word continues, he explains that we will all arrive in Zion where God dwells eternally. God will speedily come to our aid. We will not lack for bread or anything we need. He has covered us with the shadow of his hand and will stir so much gladness and joy that we will not hold back our singing as we move with God into the days he has planned for us.

Loss is clarifying, but hope is everlasting. Joy does come in the morning.

Your time with God’s Word
Isaiah 51:1-8, 11-12, 14-16 ESV