Jesus Promised to Return
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The night before, I had baked
four pumpkin nut breads and wrapped up one loaf with pink colored plastic
wrap. It fit into the bottom of a pretty
gift bag I had on hand, and on top I slipped a copy of my “Rescue the Stories
Book One” along with a sympathy card cradling some money.
A memorial service was to be
held in a near by city for our former Pastor Carl who had recently lost his
battle with cancer.
He had come to our
church as a “Retired Lutheran minister,” to fill our pulpit as a part time
Pastor. For two years he preached his
heart out with the true gospel and although he went along with the formality at
our church, he was gung ho on Jesus whom he shared with all his might.
When he was being diagnosed I
made a folder of many of the digested sermons that he had been preaching at our
church, and mailed it to him. He wrote a
lovely thank you letter and said this was the nicest gift anyone could have
given him.
Today we met with many
friends and family to remember his life.
His wife Marilyn and two daughters along with their husbands stood in a
receiving line as we signed the visitor book.
Marilyn remembered me and asked if I was still taking notes.
During the message the
minister spoke about the “Empty Chair.”
The chair that Pastor Carl loved to sit and watch the ball games,
western movies and chat with friends who came to visit. His chair now sits Empty.
The minister reminded us of
the “Empty Tomb,” and the resurrection and the proof that
Jesus was indeed alive by the words of so many witnesses.
Jesus had encouraged his
disciples that although He must go away, that He would be “Preparing a Room,”
for those who receive Him as Savior. (The room is Empty now but it is ready and waiting.) Jesus promised to return and take his
followers to be with him for ever more.
Pastor Carl was not with us
today (except in spirit) and he has received his Room and it is no longer Empty.
Appropriate hymns were sung
and four close friends gave a short talk.
One lady was from our church and she shared some delightful memories.
Perhaps there is an Empty Chair at your house-hold !!
Be encouraged and always remember we have the
knowledge of the empty tomb. Forget not the promise that Jesus gave to
return and bring us to our room that He is preparing for us.
Make sure your way to that
room while you wait, for Jesus is returning soon perhaps today or even
tomorrow.
1 comment:
Wonderful tribute, Hazel. I pray that pastor Carls' family would be strengthened and given the peace and joy that only come from knowing our Father. Bless you and your heart and spirit, sister. Your life and finger point us home...
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