This afternoon, we said farewell for now to our sweet friend, Kim. It was only a week ago that she and I had a conversation at church. Two days later, she was gone from this world. Death had taken her suddenly, and the shock among our church is palpable. Kim’s daughter and family came down the aisle at church that Sunday, to everyone’s surprise. The praise team kept the worship going as Pastor and others met them with tears and hugs. The beauty of that moment lingers in my mind. I was reminded of younger me showing up at church the day after news of my brother’s death. The church then was reeling by Jim’s passing and my showing up. As a new follower of Jesus, I didn’t know it would not be normal to attend church so soon after such a loss, but I couldn’t stay away. I needed to be near my family.
That’s why the church exists. It’s home for now while we’re all on this earth that’s not home for us at all. Followers of Jesus are one and support each other, gathering to worship the Lord and serve and pray for one another. In Ephesians we learn that God has brought saved individuals together as one body, the church. God the Father places Christ over his Body, the church v 1:22-23. Verse 10 of chapter 3 says, “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms…” Not only do we love and serve one another, but the power of our testimony together shows off God’s great wisdom to a watching world and the spiritual powers of darkness, too.
Hearing Pastor tell of Jesus’ saving power in Kim’s life could give any person the desire to know Jesus as Savior. She is alive now in heaven with Jesus by faith. Eternal life awaits all who trust in Christ (John 3:16, 36). We will all face our going home day, as Kim did. Will you enter heaven forever with Jesus, or will you face the judgment that awaits the hesitant sinner?
A Goldilocks Life 