REMEMBERING
A highlight of this month of November is ‘Remembrance Day’, a day dedicated to widespread remembrance of those who lost their lives defending the democracy we all cherish. In many churches November is also a month dedicated to prayerful memories of family, friends, and others who have passed on to eternal life with God in Jesus.
Passed on and passed away are two very common descriptors for what we have commonly referenced as death. While passed away suggests finality and completion, passed on is a more Faith-filled and future- oriented reference as it firmly reflects the transition from our earthly experience to a heavenly one, when life is changed not ended. It reminds us that our personal resurrection is core to our Christian Faith as the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan for each of us. It confirms our Faith in what Jesus promised through his victory over death. . . I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE, WHOEVER BELIEVES IN ME WILL NEVER DIE. (John 11:25-27)
We are all on the same journey and we all share the same glorious destination. We need spiritual reminders when the road is rough, when there are unexpected detours, when we breakdown, when we get discouraged, when we are ill, when we think it might be easier to change direction. . . WE GROW WEARY IN OUR CURRENT BODIES AND WE LONG TO PUT ON OUR HEAVENLY BODIES LIKE NEW CLOTHING. 2Corinthians 5:2
This month is a good time to renew our engagement in those various stages of our journey with enthusiasm and commitment, to check to see that we have packed well, to make considered and appropriate decisions along the way, to help others we encounter who need support and encouragement, to always keep our eye on the ultimate destination, and to remain firm in our Faith that each of us will at some earthly time pass on into eternal life in God’s Love.
Have a prayer-filled and blessed November.
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