Grief
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Ecclesiastes 7:2 says “It’s better to go to a house of mourning than to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart.” That may seem an interesting scripture to quote at this particular moment because our wounds are so fresh, but the purpose of this passage is not meant to be insensitive to the pain we experience with the loss of a loved one, but to be mindful and take the time to reflect on what’s really important in life. John Doe was born August 16, 1970 to Eloise Smith and James Doe in Atlanta, GA. He graduated from Central High School and immediately began working for the US Postal Service. John was a hard working young man who did his best to stay out of trouble and contribute to the lively hood of his family, but he would also be the first to tell you that there were times he found it difficult to stay the course while living in a society where poverty, drugs, and violence dominated the streets. John was the proud father of three daughters, Rylan, Tanisha, and Aisha; a beloved son, brother, cousin, friend and so much more. Anyone who knew him knew that he was a man who would do anything for the people he loved.
His life was cut short because of the senseless violence that is a reality for far too many young people today. Do you ever wonder who we can turn to in a world where evil is constantly seeking who it can devour? Where can we turn to ease our troubled minds and find peace for our souls? I remember a time I visited my grandmother’s house when she wasn’t feeling well and she told me that Granddad had finally gotten John to go to church with him, and how she wished she could have gone to see it with her own eyes because she’d being praying that God would touch his heart. When they came back from church the excitement on John’s face was contagious, and yes, it was accompanied by that huge Kool-Aid smile that reached from wall to wall. I could still hear the enthusiasm in his voice when he kept saying, “that Pastor was preaching the truth…I’m telling you that was the truth man, that was the truth.” You may wonder what was that truth he was talking about? Something witnessed to him that day; something spoke to his heart and shined a light in the dark world he was surrounded by and gave him hope for better days.
Let’s turn our bibles to the book of Matthew and read from Chapter 13, verses 3 – 9 (read aloud). The parable in the text talks about four types of ground that represents our hearts when faced with the gospel of Jesus Christ: a footpath; shallow, rocky soil; soil infiltrated by weeds & thorns; and the healthy, fertile soil. Now the question to reflect on is what is the condition of our hearts when confronted with the word of God? While we are considering this, let’s continue reading verses 18 – 23 for the meaning of this parable. (Read aloud).
As we read these passages, we see there are many things in this world ready to make the good news of Jesus Christ of no effect in our lives. Are we allowing the gospel to fall by the footpath of our hearts, rejecting what we don’t understand instead of taking God’s word and seeking Him? Are our hearts like rocky soil, hardened and unable to grow deep roots because we’ve discovered our faith and beliefs no longer line up with the views of the world around us, and we don’t want to stand out in the crowds? Is the gospel being choked out of our hearts by the cares of life and the pursuit of money? The opportunity that God has given to each and everyone one of us is a gift, and yes it is an urgent matter of life and death that we need to take seriously. Let us recognize our need for the salvation that only God can provide through his son Jesus Christ and ask Him to make our stony, shallow, thorn infested hearts, fertile soil. The kind of soil where the word of God can be planted in our hearts and grow deep healthy, life-giving roots. The kind of soil where our relationship with God can flourish into a walk of love and faith that is confident that God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him will not parish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Then and only then we will be ready when we find our bodies before our friends and family, lying in front of a church or funeral home in a casket.
Let’s stand for a word of prayer. If you feel God’s truth and love ministering to your heart and you want to surrender your life say this prayer with me. Dear Lord, I admit that I am a sinner. I believe that you are the Son of God and that you died for my sins, and rose from the grave with all power in your hands. Come into my heart, take over my life, be my savior and my Lord. In Your name I pray, Amen.
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I don't see my summary here, but this piece is an assignment that I had to write of a memorial service message for a ministry class I am taking. I am requesting feedback before turning it in if you would. Thanks. Laria
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