The Messenger

For more than half a century, I never witnessed a person passing from this world to eternal life – until today. Over the years I have been days out of reach from some people, hours from my own parent’s passing, even less from some of the lovely people to whom I provided pastoral care. But today by the grace of God and the help of my wife, I had the honour of being present when someone special bid his family good bye. I have often contemplated how I might feel. Would there be something mystical about it? Would it be scary? Would I be able to cope with the emotions? What would it be like?

I believe everything happens for a reason. Did God withhold the experience from me until I had matured spiritually? Was this God’s way of using the loss of life to help me understand Christ’s dominion over death? I began to reflect on the 23^rd Psalm.

Psalms 23:6 (ESV) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Grace and mercy followed this man all his life. Childhood recollections from his early years at an orphanage were eventually superseded with an abundance of family memories.

Psalms 23:5 (ESV) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

His cup overflowed with the blessings of children and grandchildren.

Psalms 23:4 (ESV) Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

While his life here on earth dimmed, he stepped gracefully through the valley of death.

… neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39

Psalms 23:3 (ESV) He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Every day God renewed his love for family and fellowship with those around him. We need that constant communion with our heavenly Father. When we do, the love of Christ is reflected to everyone we meet.

Psalms 23:2 (ESV) He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

We all fall short of the Glory of God but by God’s grace we can be an example of Jesus’ servitude towards others. The Holy Spirit will lead us to those green pastures amid the still waters.

Psalms 23:1 (ESV) The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

The key to making it through life and more importantly to eternal life is to know the Shepherd.

(Just) as the Lord is the good shepherd, so we are his sheep – not frightened, passive animals, but obedient followers, wise enough to follow one who will lead us in the right places and in right ways. – (From the commentary of the Life Application Study bible)

Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

- S.D.G.