Power in Death

It was an extremely heavy day. I already know my meager attempt to put some thoughts into this blog will be utterly powerless to convey the weight and significance of what happened today. I went to the funeral of a pastor's son. The pastor is a friend of mine and has been for 10 years. We each planted a church on the same day so we went through that whole process together. We had spent a great deal of time together praying, encouraging, and sharing our struggles. Ten years later, I sit and watch this man of God deliver the message at his own 17-year old son's funeral.

I prayed and knew that God would give him the grace he needed to glorify God in the midst of the tragedy. And he did. Chris shared some remarkable stories about he and Gabe's (his son) shared faith. But he made sure everyone knew that Gabe was "dead in his trespasses" if not but for the love and power of God. Everyone in the auditorium (at Lifepoint) was teared up - some sobbing loudly as Chris lovingly and powerfully proclaimed the love of God. At the end of the message Chris invited anyone who needed a relationship with Christ to come to the front. Over twenty responded.

Every word of Scripture Chris read, every word of every song sung (especially "I Will Rise" by Chris Tomlin), every story told by Chris had this amazing power to resonate. Every aspect of this service was intensified and "anointed."

As we left, another friend of mine - Dow Smith - made the comment, "Paul says we can do all things through Christ who gives me strength and today Chris really reflected that!" Well said Dow.

I walked away from the funeral reminded what a powerful and gracious God we serve. He is in control. And He can even redeem such tragedies as the death of a 17 year old boy into powerful moments that will forever change peoples' lives.