The words are those of a former New Jersey US Senator regarding the senseless deaths of Dashon Harvey, Terrance Aeriel and Iofemi Hightower in Newark, New Jersey, August 4.

Our hearts also were grieved to hear of the senseless murder of three beautiful young lives. We were doubly grieved realizing the shattered emotions of the parents and family members. They have our deepest sympathy. Our continual prayer, “Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is done in heaven” (Matthew 6:9), shall not stop until the blessings of that Kingdom reunite those parents and children. Our prayers shall not cease until the pain and tears of suffering men, women and children everywhere come to a permanent end. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:4) No silver lining, just that “Golden Promise” Jesus taught us to pray for!

Hope for hearts that hurt based on the sure Word of God’s promises is our most valuable comfort at this time. Like all parents, like all brothers and sisters touched by tragedy, our hearts search for comfort that has substance. We do not want to be given any false hopes. Confidence in the Word of God has meaning. When Jesus spoke to the sister of Lazarus, he told her that her “brother shall rise again” (John 11:24) Yes, she would see her brother again! Martha knew that she would see Lazarus again “in the Resurrection at the last day.” She was not fearful of the future. It gave her hope. May her hope be yours too. “All who are in their graves shall hear the voice of the Son of God and come forth.” They will come forth to the promised Kingdom of “healing” and the blessings of “the water of life” (Revelation 22:1, 2, 17). The Kingdom was promised by Prophets of old (e.g., Isaiah 35:10)—as well as by Jesus and his Apostles. Yes, Christ’s Kingdom is the “Golden Lining” of the Hope we hold close to our hearts. May we share that hope with you?

With Deepest Sympathy,

Bible Students Congregation of New Brunswick