Sunday, June 11, 2017
Continued from fab
SORROW/GRIEF
"... When Jesus heard the death of his cousin John the Baptist, he took a quiet time by himself to grieve for John. We find this in Matt14: 13. And so it is okay for us to mourn, for there is a season for everything and Godin His wisdom has give us an outlet for dealing with our sorrow and pain.
Then we must rebuild or shape our onward journey and we all, ' which way Lord', or How to do this Lord?.
Psalm 118: t gives us a clue: " In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and He answered by setting me free." Weare sure that Rob, Andre, and Angeline would be able to say in a short while hence, ' The joys of yesterday are more than enough for the sorrows of tomorrow. And we have this wonderful assurance and promise of God, ' He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be more death or mourning or crying or pain." - Rev 21: 4. In John 11: 25, Christ Himself said, " I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me though he were dead, yet shall he live." for the bible clearly teaches that only those who are redeemed through their belief in the atoning death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ can be with Him in everlasting glory where Abby is .
We who remain are therefore urged by the writer of Hebrews in chapter 4:16 " Let us therefore come boldly unto His throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace in time of need."
The Preacher, as King Solomon is oft referred to, said in Ecclesiastes 7:1, " A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death is better than the day of birth." I reckon it is because death lets us reflect wisely on the brevity of life.
Rob, Andre, and Angie would have memories, photographs, and other objects around and among them. I pray they always express the love and affection and enjoy the ones they hold dear to them, who are, friends and family members. May they also rest in the Divine assurance that they too an se dear Abigail next in a better place, singing and praising God and our Saviour Jesus Christ for all eternity."
The deep wounds we initially feel when our loved ones leave us an be somewhat healed through the passing of days, the months and the years. Instead of filling our todays with longing looks of yesterday's, God wants us to move eagerly forward toward toward new tomorrow's.
LET US PRAY
O Lord, you who are the Father of all mercies, and God of all comfort, look wi h compassion, we pray, upon all who gather here, that our minds and hearts shall be at your command. grant that this service of comfort and celebration, which we hold in your name may bring to all a sense of heavenly nearness and great trust in you. We commit our hearts and our spirit into your keeping and pray that you will deal graciously amid mercifully with each of us, until we too shall come to our final resting place, through the riches of your grace in Jusus Christ our Lord. And may the peace of God our Saviour, even the peace that passé the all understanding, abide with us and rest upon all these dear ones here pr sent. We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.-- AMEN.
