‘End’ times

The reality of life is we will all die physically at some point.  Sunday we look at the end-of-life issues of suicide and euthanasia.  Both of which attempt to usurp the sovereignty of God in the timing of our deaths (Job 14:5).  I Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds believers that “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, who you have from God, and you are not your own?  For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”  The specific context Paul is addressing in this section of Scripture is about sexual immorality, but the principle and application are true for anything we do with your bodies and spirits.  All we do is to be to the glory of God.  Usurping His authority does not glorify Him in any way.

Many of us are uncomfortable talking about death and dying, much less visiting and walking alongside those facing a coming death.  We struggle in how to care for and what to say in the midst of the pain and suffering, both for the person dying and those caring for them.  My mom passed away suddenly one evening.  She was on the phone with my brother, said “I feel faint” and he heard her collapse.  And she entered eternity.  A Gentile friend who has worked closely with some Jewish ministries called me and asked me if I would like him to come and “sit shiva” with me.  I had no idea what this was.  It is a Jewish ritual lasting seven days after the funeral/burial.  It is for those family members closely related to the deceased.  My friend, like the friends of Job, was willing to come and sit with me in silence or listen when I wanted to share something for seven days.  For many of us, seven minutes would be far too long.  What would we say?  (Nothing.)  What would we do?  (Ministry of presence.)  What would it accomplish?  (Meet the needs of the grieving whether that be an ear, a shoulder for tears, preparing food, washing and cleaning, etc.)

In our culture, I find that many want time alone.  But thinking back on the death of my dad and my mom I needed to stop and grieve; to talk and remember; to accept care and comfort from others.  I want to encourage us to remember those left alive after the death of a loved one, no matter the cause or circumstances.  While many struggle with death and dying, we also struggle in how to walk alongside the grieving.  I would encourage you that the simple “ministry of presence” may be the greatest way to comfort and care for the grieving.  The Jews call it sitting shiva, I call it loving a hurting friend.

And you don’t have to wait until death arrives, but show up for the dying and for the caregiver.  They both need you.

Pressing on…

Ron Tipton, Senior Pastor