Alone With God (Hymn 409), sung by Workers
Appreciate so many coming today. It declares a lot about your appreciation. At times like this we look for comfort. Not a matter of saying words, words alone are feeble. All of us here understand the comfort of God. We value that highly, today, and in the future as we make adjustments in our life as a result of this death.
Roman 16, list of names, recipients of the letter. He mentions Phoebe, our sister. The difference here was Phoebe was still alive. “Receive her as becometh saints, assist her … she hath been a succourer of many and of myself also.” This is also true for this sister. Others he refers to in this chapter had been helpers, laborers, labored much in the Lord – the influence of their lives remembered in a special way. Paul encouraged them to appreciate those people for what they were—their lives and their spirits. Thankful for those that have helped us onward, strengthened us in difficult times, dark times, reassuring us that this will soon pass, we will sing again, have joy and peace again. God, the God of peace, be with you all — The God that gives peace to His people, to those that trust and obey Him. Paul spoke of some that were not believing, enemies to Lord and His work.
Romans 15:31, “That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judea.” The margin of my bible says, “Who are disobedient,” so it isn’t just a state of neglect, but disobedience. All of us know, nature declares the message, God has declared His message to every living person, but many have not believed. They have not obeyed. It is searching to think of faith in that way.
Romans 15:2-6, “Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. Christ pleased not Himself…that ye be of one mind according to Jesus Christ…” It isn’t just to be of one mind, but to have the same mind as Christ. The God of hope will fill you with joy, in as much as we have obeyed, whether we are in the work or in the home. We will know Him as God of hope, glad for the confidence we have in His promises, even in this life. Thankful for living hope, because He lives.
Romans 16:19-20, “God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.” That is a wonderful promise. This enemy that is so determined to destroy our soul and devour us—the time of final victory is wonderful. All the struggles are over.
II Timothy 4:6-8, “I am now ready to be offered, the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me on that day.” We are glad for an eternal promise, of eternal glory, eternal honor…
Hebrews 13:20-21, “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work…” These are a few things about our God that give us assurance and peace. We appreciate the kindness and care from one another, but the comfort of God is all-sufficient for our needs in this experience and in the days to come.