As some of you know, in the last month I have lost dear ones to death: my brother, LJ Whitaker; my friends Debbie Davis and Jay Moskowitz; a man our small group has been praying for, Tony Francisco; our friend Mike Paljug’s mother; the uncle of our dear Nancy Buchanan; an esteemed musical director in Albany, NY; and tonight, a child we all loved, Ian Hensel.
Grieving without the love of Jesus would be so much more difficult. But we know there is more to this life than this life because of the saving work of Jesus Christ.
The choir will sing an anthem next Sunday. I know I am breaking copyright, but the words by Mark Hayes are a comfort to me. Perhaps they will bless you too.
Faithful by Mark Hayes
“You are faithful, O God. Your mercies are new ev’ry morning.
Your compassions have never failed me.They are constant as each day’s dawning.
No matter how the winds of change may blow across my life,
You’re my sure foundation, You’re my rock of ages, You’re my only salvation, the One on whom I call.
You are faithful, O God. You are my All in All.
When I don’t understand, I will wait on You.
When I’m fearful and hope is gone, I will wait on You.
When I’m in despair, when my way is not clear,
When my needs have weighed me down, When my help is nowhere to be found,
I will wait on You.
You are faithful, O God. Your mercies are new ev’ry morning.
Your compassions have never failed me.
They are constant as each day’s dawning.
No matter how the winds of change may blow across my life, You’re my sure foundation,
You’re my rock of ages, You’re my sure foundation, the One on whom I call.
You are my All in All.”
There are stages of grieving. Yes, it involves great pain. Without the sure Scriptural knowledge, I would be unable to even process what I am feeling now. But for the love of Jesus, I would despair. However, I know both in my mind and in my hurting heart, that God knew the pain we bear because He too lost a Son, His very beloved Son, Jesus Christ. But because of His love for us, yes, because we too were lost, He raised His Son Jesus Christ so that we can say with assurance, that we are not lost, left to suffer our grief alone. Because of the atoning love of Jesus, we and our loved ones trusted to His care, will live again to worship one day together at His very throne.
May we be comforted so we may comfort others. May we say with Job, “The Lord has given; the Lord has taken away, Blessed be the Name of the Lord.” Amen and Amen.
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