A very moving article in the 'Banner Of Truth' by Benecke about his son's death.
Him and his wife were at a restaurant where the chef cooking at their table looked exactly like their son who had passed away, and this was emotionally overwhelming for both of them.
In the article Benecke mentions the providence of God- he cannot know why in this life his son passed away from cancer at the age of 21 but he knows in eternity, he will have the answers. The author even acknowledged more may have been accomplished through his son's death than through his life.
Benecke mentions that Christ himself experienced human death and Benecke mentions that he can thank God for Christ's (God the Son) victory over death and ultimately death will be destroyed.
Benecke thanks Christ for his son's trusting in him, so that he can now know that his son will be in heaven worshipping the eternal, glorious God with the saints. He admits he still grieves (we all would) and wonders why his son was taken away from him, aged only 21.
Benecke is greatful that his knowledge of God is not limited just to the experience of the death of his son- he knows God well enough to trust God in areas he can't understand.
Benecke is greatful for the presence of God he and his wife experienced- even in the early days, walking the dark path of the shadow of death, the light of Christ helped carry them through the darkness.
I will conclude by saying something I remember from my pastor- we all wish we could talk to relatives that have passed away- but for our relatives in Christ, asking them to come back from the eternal glories of heaven to spend a few moments with us in this sin stained world, would be the most selfish thing we could ask for.
