Scripture passage that caught my attention today: Hebrews 13:20-21 Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 make you complete in everything good so that you may do his will, working among us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Observation: These verses are shared at the end of graveside committal services in the Lutheran church.
Application: It’s been a time of grieving for those who stand or sit graveside. They may be numb from exhaustion and loss. The words of the pastor/leader may just slide by into oblivion. How could they be here? How could it all have come to this, whether too soon or after many a wrinkle had settled in, whether expected or completely by surprise? Either way, it’s almost over—the service. Will need to muster up the gumption to stand, collect a rose or two off of the flower spray (sp?), exchange a few more hugs, head back for a luncheon and whatever.
But first a few final words from the pastor, from the Bible, ultimately, from the Lord…
“Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 make you complete in everything good so that you may do his will, working among us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
The God of peace is at work…through this…in this…now…and it is ongoing work. It’s been done before, life after death…even through death. The God of peace is indeed at work. God’s not done…yet.
Prayer: Lord, sometimes people, myself included, don’t realize the power and hope found in the words we say and hear that are regularly included in various worship rites and services. In like fashion, sometimes we don’t realize the power and hope found in you yourself. Help us see and know that you are indeed at work and not even close to finished yet. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
(Readings today included: Isaiah 25-28, Hebrews 13)
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