Church bulletin for January
As reflected in recent bulletins, death is one of the constants of life in this fallen world. There are times when we are confronted with death in very public ways and personal ways. Concerning the former, in past months several passenger planes have crashed with all on board lost. A number of celebrities have died. There have been acts of terrorism across the world. Concerning the latter, on Friday (Jan 9) I learned that a young man who helps out at a local Christian bookshop passed away in his sleep.
I sat with the proprietor of the shop, we talked and reflected. He felt the loss keenly. At 41, M was too young; it was unexpected and he will be missed. He did not die with the world’s cameras looking on; flowers have not been laid on city pavements. He did not receive accolades from the movie or sporting world. He lived in relative obscurity and died in obscurity. From all accounts he did not have the easiest life; he was never married and had a number of health problems. He helped out at the bookshop as he was able. He enjoyed reading and chatting to customers; he had a sense of humour and liked a bit of banter. I had numerous engaging conversations with him over the years.
Scripture tells us “precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15). His death meant nothing except to a handful left behind. His death however meant something to the Lord of heaven. And it is to heaven that he has gone. Though he did not have a wife he is now wedded to Christ. His physical struggles are over. Temptations gone. The tears and the sweat have been wiped away.
A picture of M is going to hang above the shop counter next to a picture of another volunteer who died some years ago. Together they will remind us of better things. Known and loved by God before the foundation of the world; bought with the precious blood of the God-man they await a future resurrection and the consummation of all things. Precious is the passing of the saints because they pass into the everlasting arms.