A Christian Farewell
Of course, today is the day we say "farewell" to Pastor B, who has been our interim pastor for almost ten months. In that time we have grown very fond of him, and have appreciated his ministry very much. And we will certainly miss him and his wife.It got me thinking about farewells in general, and how believers and non-believers say farewell. Whether you are a Christian or not, I think a farewell is a difficult thing, but I think it's especially difficult for those who do not have our hope...
Every goodbye is tinged with the awareness that the circumstances of life, or death itself, might make this the very last farewell, without a future reunion.
But for the Christian, there is a completely different awareness; the awareness that neither the circumstances of life nor death itself can prevent a future reunion. It may be here in this life, but if not here, than certainly on the other side of the grave, when we join together in fellowship and adoration of God.
Paul talks about this in 1 Corinthians:
1 Corinthians 15:17-19
And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
But the resurrection of Jesus Christ gives us a hope which goes beyond "only this life" - because Christ was the "first fruits of those who are asleep" (1 Cor 15:20), our farewells are tinged not with bitterness, but with a sweet hope.
Dana Key wrote a song about this several years ago:
Here, There, Or In The Air
If I thought that we were parting
Never more to laugh or love
I'd leave this farewell brokenhearted
But I am sure my friend, we will meet again
Here, there, or in the air
We will meet again my friend
Here, there, or in the air
We will be together
As I go think of me fondly
Rest assured I'll think of you
And should the distance test our bonding
Let this sacred oath give you peace and hope
Here, there, or in the air
We will meet again my friend
Here, there, or in the air
We will be together
So, let me finish this entry by saying, Thank you, Pastor B, for your faithful and wise ministry among us for the last few months! We appreciate you so much!
Posted On Sep 25, 2005 at 5:07 AM
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