That was the first death of a Christian in that village. The whole funeral process was different. As per village custom, no music is practiced in deaths in the village. The women were not hired to sing dirge. The members of the local church were present comforting and encouraging the bereaved family. Christian songs were sung with a solemn voice. The reading of the Scripture happened. The priest preached, and it was all about life after death and great hope. The villagers were puzzled and thought the whole funeral was a strange thing. Paul writes that believers should grieve differently. (I Thessalonians 4: 13-17)
Uninformed: Believers should not be uninformed or ignorant. They should know the truth by knowing the Scripture, and be confident to face death with courage and hope.
Grieve differently: Death will certainly bring grief to the near and dear ones. However, the expressions of emotions are not despair, but measured and reasonable. Indeed, it is a Blessed promotion to the glory through death, who ceases from all sickness, pain, tears, and suffering. (Revelation 14:13)
Hope: Paul gives four aspects of the vivid and glorious hope for the Christians. First, for those who are born again, death is asleep. These precious saints of God sleep in this world, to wake up in another world. The better one is an eternal home for the believers. Second, when the Lord comes in Glory, those who are dead in the Lord will rise, get a glorified body, and accompany the Lord. The immediate family members have the privilege of seeing one of their family members accompanying the Lord, saints, and angels. It will be wonderful to meet again the dead saints with the Lord. Third, the believers who are alive when the Lord comes will be transformed and will be caught up to meet the Lord and His host in the clouds. Fourth, all the believers will be with the Lord forever. It is not just resurrection and reunion, but eternal life with Him in Heaven.
Do I have the faith, confidence, and hope to face death?