Ask the Pastor

By Pastor Scott Denham of Harvest Fellowship, Shambaugh, IA

Clarinda Herald Journal Publication Date : 07/25/2005

Are The Dead Among Us?

             "Can our loved ones who have gone to heaven, see or visit us?"

             To lose a loved one to death is far too common, and stories abound of the departed visiting the grief-stricken to bring comfort. Often, the story goes that a couple were married for 50 years, and the deceased visits his widow on occasion. He is seen (or felt) nearby, and his presence seems to bring assurance. Or, you will hear that now that grandpa has died, he is looking out for the grandchildren.

            There is no end to anecdotal testimonies of people from beyond the grave, visiting their loved ones to guide them through hard times or to comfort the grieving. Can the dead visit the living and are they watching over us?

            It is clear from Scripture that on rare occasion, God sends different ones from the heavenly realm, at His direction. Samuel the prophet appears before to King Saul with a word from God (1 Sam 28:15). Moses and Elijah visit Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matt 17:3).  Angelic beings come to earth on divine assignment (Heb 1:14).

            Outside of these extraordinary exceptions, no Scripture remotely suggests that the dead can interact with those on earth. Beside, how do you feel about Uncle Ben looking in on you in private moments?

            Then there are those who attempt to call forth the dead in séances, and inadvertently open the door to demonic activity--an occult practice condemned by God (Deut 18:11).

            For the general populace, I am inclined to believe that this is more a general superstition, passed down through the ages from the subtle roots of Ancestral Worship. In Ancestral Worship, it is believed that the departed patriarch or matriarch is elevated to a god-like, spirit-guide status, serving among the many spirit entities for the good or ill of mankind--one of the many ways that false religions leave their mark in contemporary culture.

            I understand how someone may want to look to the supernatural to find meaning and comfort in a time of grief, or to try to reconnect with their loved one, but this is forbidden territory. Demons wear many disguises (2 Cor 11:14).

            Why not rather look to the one true God who loves you. He is watching over you, and invites you into relationship with Him, from which, His comfort, and guidance flow. And remember, if we and our lost loved ones follow Christ, we will one day be together again.

--Pastor Scott (www.askpastorscott.com)