Rev. Reed Lee Pedersen's
This week's rambling comes with a heavy heart. My wife and I adopted a dog six months ago. Her name was Luna and we loved her. Last week she died suddenly. This sparks a question. What happens to pets after they die? Or, to be more direct, are their pets in heaven?
I will say that I do not believe there to be direct bible verses to answer this question, but there is a passage that we can look at and ponder. Upon seeing all the plants and animals which God had created God saw that it was good. God even commanded all the animals to multiply! (Gen 1) If Christ's return sparks the perfection of God's creation then someone could look at that story in Genesis and conclude that animals will be with us on the Last Day. If animals are good then why wouldn't they be with us when the Kingdom of Heaven comes into its fullness on earth. To the deeper question of whether or not we meet our pets in heaven I don't think we will find the biblically based answers we hope for. We can look to poetry like "Raindow Bridge" to give us hope and imagine what it might be like. Sometimes our imaginations can be the safe space we need to cope with the loss of a pet. I am sorry this is not a more uplifting post, but it is where I am at. Points to Ponder: 1. Is there a bible verse you hold onto when it comes to animals in heaven? 2. Read "Rainbow Bridge" What do you think? Rainbow Bridge (Death of a Pet)There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of all its beautiful colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass. When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who were sick, hurt or in pain are made whole again. There is only one thing missing, they are not with their special person who loved them so much on earth. So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up! The nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring and this one runs from the group! You have been seen and when you and your special friend meet, you take him in your arms and hug him. He licks and kisses your face again and again - and you look once more into the eyes of your best friend and trusting pet. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together never again to be apart. Author: unknown
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AuthorPastor Reed is a first call pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church in Andover, Illinois. Archives
July 2019
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