These recent months have confronted many around the world with the reality of our mortality. Below, pastor Jairo reflects on this idea as it relates to his ministry in Spain.
It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, since that is the end of all mankind, and the living should take it to heart.
Lamentations 7:2
This month I have been reflecting on this biblical verse on the occasion of the sermons that I have taught on the letter to the Philippians where Paul talks about death. This verse is a completely countercultural statement because few people prefer to go to a funeral than to a banquet. However, the reason is really very important: a funeral is an occasion to stop in the midst of the hustle and bustle of day-to-day worries, care, plans, and projects to think about what is truly important: that one day we are going to die. This truth necessarily implies a deep reflection on what we are doing in the present life with respect to the eternity that awaits us.
This topic has been the subject of three sermons that I have given this month, one of them at the funeral of the mother of a church member. During her life, this person did not express saving faith in Christ so preaching at her funeral was a challenge that I had not experienced before. How can you speak at the funeral of someone for whom there is no certainty of hope in Christ? At some point in preparation, I realized the meaning of the verse above. This funeral would be a perfect occasion to bring all those attending the funeral to reflect on their own reality of eternal salvation or damnation because this is the end of all mankind. It does not matter if we are rich, poor, strong, or mighty. We all face the same reality at the end of our earthly lives.
July was a month of many difficulties related to illness and pain. That is why I think that the issue of the imminence of death, which is rarely discussed today, has been very close to the church. Many relatives of church brothers are sick. At least two of them died this month. May the Lord use his Word to prepare us to depart with Christ, and while the time comes, that we can live holier lives, worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As for me and my family, thanks to the Lord we are in good health, encouraged in Christ, and with the desire to continue forward. We always thank the Lord for your prayers and your support. May the Lord bless you greatly.
Your brother in Christ,
Jairo
