We Live With Hope
Some Reflections On What's Happened Over the Last Two Weeks
A lot has happened over the last couple of weeks. First of all, I was able to attend Harbor: Pepperdine Bible Lectures at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California this past May 3-6. It was nice to see a lot of friends, many of whom are ministry colleagues while taking in some time for classes and enjoying some rest.
The theme for Harbor was “No Other Jesus” which I really enjoyed. We all need a reminder of who Jesus is and what it means to follow him as his church. The Keynote addresses were primarily based on 2 Corinthians, which can be viewed on YouTube: Harbor 2022 Keynote Addresses.
I am biased because John Mark Hicks is both a friend and former seminary professor of mine but his address, which closed out the conference, was a word I really needed to hear. One of the unfortunate things that John Mark and I share in common is the loss of a son. I mention this only because in nearly twenty years since the death of my son, despair and depression has been a battle. My faith is in Jesus and therefore I live with hope but there are days when the grief and pain of losing a child can be an unshakable despair. John Mark’s address, which mentions the death of both his son and first wife, reminded me that we live within the new creation as people raised to life in the resurrected Jesus Christ. Though we grieve, we also live with hope.
Speaking of hope, after returning from Harbor, I had the privilege and honor of offering a eulogy for an elderly Christian lady that had passed away. While every funeral is an occasion for some sadness as family and friends grieve the loss of someone they loved and cared for, I took solace in the fact that this woman went to be with the Lord. So although we grieve, we also live with hope.
During the eulogy, I mentioned how much of an honor it is that the family would let me share this moment with them. It’s a moment where I, as a pastor, can offer both comfort and hope. So a thought occurred to me regarding the pastoral role at a funeral: A thin place is where a pastor stands among the bereaved, undertaking the priestly service of going to the people on behalf of God and to God on behalf of the people.
Perhaps I can assume that priestly service for people now and say a word to people like you on behalf of God and a word to God on behalf of people like you:
Why? Why do you continue allowing violence, racism, and disregard for human life to continue? Innocent people are dying, while others are left to suffer through grief and pain that seem too much to bear. I believe in you God and I believe that you are redeeming and restoring life through your crucified Son, Jesus Christ, whom you raised from death. So please Lord, give us strength from your Spirit to bear this grief and pain, making the burdens of those who are suffering more bearable. But Lord, do not let the violence, racism, and disregard for human life to continue. Teach us to be more merciful, to act with justice, and to love our neighbors as ourselves so that we may love you. Do what you must do and but Lord, please come again and make all things new. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen!