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A Church Grieves
In the Word
And the people of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days (Deuteronomy 34:8a).
Of the Word
The Holy Scriptures teach us that … we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1b). When one of those dearly beloved witnesses dies, grief and sadness sweep across the Christian community. This was evident at the death of Moses, a great man of God. After his death, the people of Israel were grief-stricken. They wept for Moses for thirty days.
At the passing of a beloved congregation member or church leader, weeping may continue beyond thirty days. Fond memories of loved ones, singing or hearing their favorite hymns, seeing others serve in the roles they once filled can cause tears to flow from both eyes and hearts. God promises that Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning (Psalm 30:5b). … thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57b).
Walking with my Lord
O Lord, surround my tears with joy. Surround my grief with hope. Surround me with Your witnesses in this mournful time. Console Your church with Your Spirit. In Your holy name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 15/30 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40197
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
