Grief, Joy, and Community

Earlier today, we hosted a memorial service here at FPC for a fisherman named Kurt, beloved husband of one of our elders.  He passed away suddenly this past weekend, the service was filled to the brim by families, friends, and of course – fishermen (and women!).  One of the things we shared during the service was how God gives us joy to further reveal his glory in our lives.  For people like Kurt, fishing brought about joy like nothing else.

What brings you joy?  What will your friends and family celebrate about your life when the day comes to say goodbye?  Although many folks have been to funerals that are devoid of joy, at this church (and especially in the terrific way Tom leads these important events), we focus on the joy Jesus offers to those who have followed him and given their lives to him.  We can offer this joy to our world, and it can be a powerful witnesses to the gospel.  

This joy is amplified in Christian community.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote a wonderful little book called Life Together, and the following quote helps frame the importance of Christian community, not just in times of mourning or joy, but in the daily rhythms of our lives:

Christianity means community through Jesus Christ and in Jesus Christ.  No Christian community is more or less than this.  Whether it be a brief, single encounter or the daily fellowship of years, Christian community is only this.  We belong to one another through and in Jesus Christ.

Think about that last line for a moment.  How amazing is it to belong deeply to each other in a way that only Christ provides?  Who in your life could be moving toward belonging to Christ?  Bonhoeffer continues: 

What does this mean?  It means, first, that a Christian needs others because of Jesus Christ.  It means, second, that a Christian comes to others only through Jesus Christ.  It means, third, that in Jesus Christ we have been chosen from eternity, accepted in time, and united for eternity (p. 21).

That last phrase – “united for eternity” – is what we get to celebrate at memorial services.  We can celebrate this truth as well in our daily lives and offer this message to our hurting world, and to each other.