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Articles by Jack Canady |
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GONE – FOREVER! Dear Leaders Chosen of God, "These last three weeks have been very hard". We were surprised to hear "Bill" say that. He was one of the more private people gathered in the living room that night. His wife's eyes began to water. He reached over and took her hand. "We've been in a dark hole since 'Andrea' lost the baby." It was the second baby the young couple had lost in the space of a few months. This time the hopes were high. The tests had been good. Two days earlier the doctor's words were, "I think you are going to make it this time!" Then, with shattering suddenness, their baby was gone – FOREVER! "Andrea's" lips began to quiver. The tears overflowed. She began to cry quietly. "Bill" could not speak. The words caught in his throat. He reached over with his other hand and tenderly squeezed hers. The pathos of the moment hit us all. Silent tears overflowed. Then, as if God Himself had given the signal, we got up from our seats and moved around the couple. Tender hands were laid on them and someone began to pray out loud. As the prayer went up the dam broke. "Andrea's" body shook with sobs. "Bill's emotions broke loose seconds later. I had just returned from the funeral of my favorite cousin. Her death was sudden and totally unexpected. She was just snatched away in seconds. Her husband of more than 50 years did not even get to say goodbye. He and I were standing together in their church when he burst into tears. When he regained his composure he blew his nose and said, "I looked at the door as always, expecting to see Alberta walk into the room. Suddenly I realized that will never happen again." The next morning, when I drove away, I began to cry so hard that I almost had to pull to the side of the road. When Jesus' friend Lazarus died and He saw the grief, "He groaned in the spirit and was troubled," (John 11:33). When they took Him to the tomb His emotions erupted further; "Jesus wept," (11:35). If you have ever wondered how God feels when one of yours dies, Jesus gives you the answer. His tears mingle with yours. Jesus groaned because His soul was angry at death. It is a terrible thing. It is awful. Death should never have been. When He wept at the grave, it was for the living not the dead. Our tears flowed because of the pain of that young couple. She will never hold her baby in her arms. I cried because I deeply missed my cousin. I hate death. I always have. When someone close to me dies I cry. I am in good company. My Lord and Savior has the same emotions. One day He will destroy that terrible enemy forever, (1 Corinthians 15:26. 55). I get a little impatient with Christians who say one must not cry at funerals. I believe they are misled. Until Jesus destroys that awful enemy I will weep with my friends. Leaders of God; be careful how you handle those grievous times. Follow your Shepherd. In His love, Pastor Jack |
Copyrights: Content (c) 2010 Circuit 'Riter Ministries. |
