matters of life and death

There was a funeral service held at our church yesterday for a mother who passed away recently and very suddenly. I attended the service and was struck with how heart-wrenching and difficult it is to lose a loved one. Though I did not know her, I could see the impact she had on her family and community.

I lost a very dear friend when I was in my 20's but since then I haven't lost any close family or friends. I can't imagine the depth of pain and hurt that such a loss must cause. I know that God understands it, though. The Bible tells us that Jesus wept at Lazarus's grave, even though He knew that He would raise Lazarus but a few moments later.

I was reminded yesterday that even though our hearts may stop beating and death may separate us for a time, something more powerful keeps us connected. It's love. Romans 8:38-39 says "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

The mother who passed away never stopped loving her children and husband, and they will never stop loving her, even though they are apart for now. Their love for each other is stronger than death. And God's love is even stronger. We experience it through His constant sustaining presence throughout our lives. This thought is encapsulated in Nichole Nordeman's powerful song,"I AM".