When the Bible says we are like grass withered by the sun south Texas folks know what that means. It's a way of life down here. This past week has reminded me of this.
Last Friday - Good Friday I did the funeral for a friend who unexpectedly died.
Sunday morning I had to help do the "Sonrise" service because the Methodist pastor who was supposed to lead it had experienced a heart attack on Thursday morning while participating in a prayer group.
Tuesday I learned that the lady who cuts my hair has cancer and is having surgery this morning as I type.
My mother-in-law went in the hospital this week.
On Wednesday morning I did a grave side service for a man in our town. He wasn't a believer as far as I know. The only people at the grave side besides myself were two people from the funeral home and the lawyer appointed by the court to take care of his affairs. It was a sad thing. He died alone, unmourned.
This morning I awakened to news about the killer tornadoes in Alabama.
It's been one of those weeks.
Life is fragile - like windblown, sun dried grass.
Thank God for Resurrection Sunday!
Death is certain for all of us and it can come in many ways - but it is defeated by the resurrection of Jesus. Those who are in Christ share in that victory. Hallelujah!
Sadly, not everyone is a believer who shares in this hope.
It struck me as I was preparing for the graveside of the man mentioned earlier that there are at least a half dozen churches in our town. He was even married to a lady that once attended my church once in a while. He had a friend who lived across the street who is a believer. Yet none of us were able to influence him for Christ. I'm not sure any of us really tried to. I know I didn't. Guess we all figured he was a lost cause, a hopeless sinner, beyond redemption. Maybe we were to busy doing other good things for Jesus and just forgot that he needed Jesus.
In these uncertain days we who are believers must be more intentional about sharing the hope we have in Christ. Many of those around us are as the apostle says without God and without hope. I hope I don't have to do anymore gravesides like that again.
A very poignant and thought provoking post! Funny how things happen and call us back to the love of God. I have found it easier than ever slipping back into the pastorate. I only hope I don't slip into the position of apathy or uncaring because I'm so "busy" ever again. Thanks for sharing your heart!
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