Death and graduation. Lately I’ve been pondering how some families in our congregation grieving the death of loved ones, while at the same time some are celebrating graduations. Weeping and rejoicing…together. This is part of what it means to be the body of Christ..and the people of Peace. As I have reflected on this reality two sections of God’s word have stood out…..
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. (10) Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (11) Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. (12) Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. (13) Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. (14) Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. (15) Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (16) Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Romans 12:9-16
As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. (21) The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." (22) On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, (23) and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, (24) which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, (25) that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. (26) If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 1 Corinthians 12:20-26
I wish I could write one of those amazing blog posts that would rivet our attention on what God is doing in our midst and inspire us to celebrate the unity we have in Christ. But I am at a loss for words at this time. Let it suffice to say that God is at work to bring us together, and to lead us to share in each others joys and sorrows. May Christ be glorified in our crying and smiling!
I look forward to sharing the Lord’s supper with you….my brothers and sisters in Christ….this Sunday.
Maranatha ….. Pastor Dan
