March 02, 2009

Mourning

In the last few weeks two members in my congregation have had a family member pass away. One man lost his adult daughter and another lost his wife of over 60 years. I find it remarkable that even though both of these elderly men are in mourning, the next Sunday following each funeral these men were in church. Their grief did not keep them from joining us in worship…even though the chairs that once held their loved one now sat empty. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matt 5:4 NIV

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Gail;

-----With those of faith who died before them, these men are not seeking a homeland on earth. They seek a heavenly country. And as they temporarily must live in a country on earth, they’ve had joys and happiness from the things of that temporary country. But the substance of their joy remains in the country of heaven to which their loved ones have gone, and to which they know they also will go. So their sorrows can tie to this temporary place and be themselves temporary. Being back in church the next Sunday is evidence of their hope for the city God prepares. (Heb. 11:13-16)

Love you all,
Steve Corey