What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? – Romans 8:31
One of the wonderful things about being part of a dynamic faith community like our church is the amazing diversity we experience. People, ideas, background, politics, experiences, ages – we’re all over the place, yet united in the context of Christ’s love.
Today, in a poignant reminder of who we are as a body, Don – one of my good friends and member of my Wednesday Bible study – reached the end of his long life… at the same time we are up to our eyeballs in very young children, and in the middle of an enthusiastic Vacation Bible School.
The beauty and symmetry of the juxtaposition illustrates the completeness of our life of faith. Last night the children yelled out in unison, “IF GOD IS FOR US THEN WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?” Then, just as loudly, “WOW, GOD!!”
That is the theme that defines the lives of faithful people like my friend Don Steele, who knows – and has always known – without a doubt that, “Nothing can separate us from God’s love!” (Romans 8:39)
My point this morning is that this journey we’re on is all about light and life! Even in death, light and life – and new life in Christ – is front and center. This is what faith is all about; it’s about living purposefully as new creations, from the exuberance of Vacation Bible School through to maturity, and old age, and eventually eternity.
I love the affirmation in the carol – “Life and light to all he brings – risen with healing in his wings.”
Keep singing, beautiful Vacation Bible School children, let it resound! And Godspeed to you, my friend, Don, shine on.
– DEREK
[…] a few thoughts in response to the death of my friend (and small-group member) Don – “If God is for us: in life and in death.” Saturday we celebrated his life in a deeply meaningful memorial service at Wake Forest […]