There’s a verse in Ecclesiastes that challenges this: It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart. (Ecclesiastes 7:2 NIV)
Going to a house of mourning reminds us that we are not “gods”, or masters of our own destiny. Death reminds us that no matter how hard we try, we cannot conquer death… and we cannot establish heaven on earth. In time, each of us will breathe our last breath… our heart will stop beating… and then what?
In a house of mourning we are confronted with our own inevitable death – and our impotence to change that fact!
I can remember the first time this fact hit me real BIG. I was in my mid-20’s, doing vicarage at Mt Barker. After attending three funerals of people I’d known, and reflecting on times shared with them, it suddenly dawned on me: “One day it will be my body in that box at the front – and then where will I be? And how can I be sure?”
With this sudden awareness, I threw every objection I could muster at the resurrection of Jesus. In the end, I was convinced by the cumulative evidence of the New Testament that Jesus is risen, and my hope in him well placed.
Jesus says: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4 NIV)
Our Western culture keeps grief and loss at arm’s length. Even among fellow Christians, we don’t talk about it all that much.
So when someone we know is mourning the loss of a loved one, many of us are not sure how to respond. We might attend a funeral, drop off a meal, and send flowers or a card. Feeling awkward in knowing what to say or how to help… we may keep our distance.
What can we do to comfort those who mourn?
As followers of Jesus, we do well to take a leaf out of Jesus’ book, responding to people in grief with compassion, empathy, and tenderness. Come along this Sunday as we explore this some more.
And if you are currently in the shadowlands of grief, may you experience Jesus’ comfort and peace in these days!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Readings: Matthew 5:4, Ruth 1:1-22
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Prayer Requests
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Ladies’ Fellowship
The meeting for March will be held on Tuesday March 3rd at
1-00pm in the hall. All ladies most welcome to attend.
Pastor Reid will be challenging us with his Bible study.
Entertainment: please bring along a souvenir from a holiday. Hostesses for the day: Judy R & Lyn.
Trading Table: looking for 2 ladies to volunteer.
Grow Ministries Faith at HomeAre you a good listener? What is involved in listening carefully to
others?
Check out this week’s Growing Faith at Home resource for some ideas to try out with your family.
God bless your week! Georgie
Little Lambs Playgroup Resources Needed
Little Lambs Playgroup are looking for cardboard rolls for an upcoming activity. Think cling wrap, alfoil or paper towel rolls etc. No toilet rolls please.
Please see Emma or Georgie or leave at the Church Office.
Thank you!
Noticeboard
Lutherans@Uni Welcome Event- Come along and meet other young Lutherans at Uni this O'Week on Tuesday Feb 25, 3:00pm. We'll meet in the 'Hub' at Adelaide Uni, and then head to the room where our weekly Bible studies will be held for a chat, some snacks and a short study. All welcome! Look up Lutherans@Uni on Facebook to stay in touch, or contact our chaplain Pastor Joshua Pfeiffer on 0431 398 713. Look forward to seeing you there!
LCA eNews Ministry Support
Follow this link to view the latest http://lcaenews.online/200218
“For the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he
will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear
from their eyes.’”
