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"...Joseph remained a slave until his own words had come true, and the LORD had finished testing him. Then the king of Egypt set Joseph free and put him in charge of everything he owned." Psalm 105:17-22
INTRODUCTION
As you will see in the 'Promotions' section below, there has been much loss of life this past month, affecting some of my close associates, particularly in the northeast of America. Of special note is the number of pastors who have lost children in recent times. We are aware of at least five other cases in this region.
Late on August 3rd, I received the news that Jon-Kely, the 7 year old son of Pastors Rob and Elayne Cassara, had lost his life. Pastor Rob is a member of our City Covenant Coalition leadership team. Several other CCC leaders and myself, spent the following week in Connecticut supporting the Cassaras and their church, New Life Christian Fellowship. This proved to be one of the most challenging and testing times of my life!
DEATH GLORIFYING GOD?
The loss of a child is every parent's worst nightmare! Nothing could test the resolve of a Christian leader more than this. Many questions arise, such as, 'How could a loving God allow such a terrible thing to happen?' We could also ask why God allowed all but one of the original apostles to die as martyrs, often suffering horrible tortures in the process. In John 21:19, we read Jesus' prophecy about Peter's future martyrdom, "This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God."
Perhaps the answer is that we view death very differently from how God does. For us, we are confronted with loss to a level that we are almost unable to bear. To Him, He receives back what He has given in the first place. However, there is a wonderful consolation for those who have lost loved ones who were in Christ; their loss is Heaven's gain! This is assured to us in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, "But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope...."
ETERNAL EXISTENCE
At the recent 'Celebration Service' for his son, Pastor Rob spoke about eternity, declaring that we are eternal beings, moving from a place of temporal existence to a place of eternal existence. This is affirmed in 2 Corinthians 4:18, "...For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." This is the hope that helps us endure the trials of this life.
THE ECONOMY OF THE KINGDOM
The unique hope of Christianity is the resurrection, which distinguishes it from all other religions. However, let us be reminded that Jesus had to go through Gethsemane and the crucifixion first to get to Sunday morning! In the economy of the Kingdom of God, everyone who is destined for greatness in God will have to go through a 'Gethsemane' experience first. This is the time where we are tested and tried in the fire. There is a parallel from medieval technology. Like a sword being fashioned in the swordsmith's hand. First it is heated, then beaten, and then plunged into water. These extremes temper the steel of the sword to become a hardened and sharp fighting instrument, ready to do battle.
ACCORDING TO OUR CHOICES
Anyone who will be used by the Lord to accomplish His will and great things in His name here on the earth, will be tested by Him first! This is where God's purpose, pre-destination, and free will all collide. God, who knows us before we are in our mother's womb, also knows what our choices will be before we make them. However, He still allows us to fail or be victorious according to our choices.
Pastor Rob said the death of his son had brought "incredible grief" to a part of his soul that he didn't know existed. "In the past seven days, we have tasted death, but we have had a glimpse of heaven." There was tragedy and triumph! We were all tested!
" ...Those who mourn are lifted to safety." Job 5:11
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