Most of you are aware of this but I work at a funeral home. During my time there thus far, I have heard about different things about people. I will admit that I was pretty shocked as to what takes place within an environment like that. At the same time, it was enlightening to know because most would think about what is view on TV. Of course we all know that what we see on TV is not necessarily portrayed accurately. While most people think of a funeral home as a place of death, I view it as a place to love on people. In other words, the light of Christ needs to shine through. It’s during moments like a funeral service where the enemy can slip in and begin to divide the family over the circumstances that are before them. It is important to remind them about the love of Christ and giving the families a sense of peace.
In today’s passage, Jesus is having a conversation with His disciples about how we shouldn’t worry. Worry about what? About what happens when we die. Often times, we view God as someone who is full of anger and wrath. There is also another side to God. He is also a God who is full of love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. We will all appear before the judgment seat when we die. I want Him to say to all of all “well done good and faithful servant.”
Luke 12:4-12 (NLT Translation)
4 “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that.5 But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell.[a] Yes, he’s the one to fear.
6 “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins[b]? Yet God does not forget a single one of them.7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
8 “I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man[c] will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels. 9 But anyone who denies me here on earth will be denied before God’s angels. 10 Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
11 “And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You for Your everlasting love. Help us to now worry about what is going to unfold in the future. Give us that sense of peace and let Your shalom wash over us so that we are in Your care. We know that You are a God of love and justice. You want what is best for us each and every day. Help us to be in that place of obedience of Your direction and instruction. Without You, I don’t know where we would be because we would lost in this ocean of darkness and confusion. Thank You God. Continue to remind us that You are always right there with us every step of the way.
In Jesus name, amen