Pastor's Desk November 2018
“If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.”
(I Corinthians 15: 19 NIV)
This past month has been difficult to me with the loss of my mother. My mother was such an inspiration it is difficult to think of her not being present in this world any longer. It was a great comfort to hear from so many of you. The cards, texts, visits, and calls were so meaningful.
Yet the idea of loss is something I struggle with. The loss I feel is certainly an emotional loss. But it is not an eternal or spiritual loss. I know where my mom is, and I wouldn’t bring her back into this broken world for anything. She is at peace and full of joy.
Isaac Watts penned these words to one of favorite hymns:
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
This month we conclude our time of Lent with Holy Week and Easter. It is important that we appreciate the deep, deep meaning of the cross and the empty tomb so that loss becomes seen only in the context of eternity.
The Apostle Paul talks much about sin and redemption. The cross is always in his thoughts. But it is the resurrection that is the crowing accomplishment of God’s work in Christ Jesus. And Paul saw the resurrection as not just a benefit for the future but a blessing for us now. He writes in I Corinthians 15:
“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
Think about Paul’s choice of those words which can be traced back to the Old Testament words of the prophet Hosea. Victory is something we all want yet all throughout history death has been seen as the final defeat. Paul’s use of the word “sting” brings to mind stings by bees and wasps in the past. Those things hurt! They are painful!
NO LONGER! No longer do sin and death hold any power over us. Through the cross of Calvary and the empty tomb we participate in Christ’s complete and total victory over all that can harm us.
May we have a greater appreciation of the Cross and the Empty Tomb this year than ever before. Although we struggle in this world with loss and pain, we can be assured that such things are only temporary. We have been redeemed and promised a wonderful inheritance.
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!
From the Pastor's Desk 2018
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From the Pastor's 2017
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