The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…
“Smiles and Nods”
Heartbreakingly, but even more, joyfully, we lost one of our dearest congregants this past week. Mr. Lebarron lived at a one of the retirement community where we conduct services. He had suffered a stroke many years ago, resulting in movement and speech issues. This did not keep from from seeking to serve people where he was, nor attend our services, nor frequently smile and nod when his heart said “Amen!” to something I mentioned in a sermon (I will miss those smiles and nods).
Actually, we did not lose Mr. Lebarron. We know precisely where he is. In fact, we know better where he is today than we did in those times in his direct presence:
“To be absent from the body… to be present with the Lord” (II Corinthians 5:8).
Our eyes are not nearly so faithful a witness as is the perfect Word of God. Little wonder, therefore, that “we walk by faith, not by sight” (II Corinthians 5:7). Certainly, we accurately remember our hundreds of opportunities to be with our brother through the years. However, we presently have time to know and believe Mr. Lebarron now dwells with God in His heaven, based on the “Thus saith the Lord” of Scripture (Isaiah 28:16). I won’t deny the reality of times of sight with Mr. Lebarron. I will, however, place far more confidence and assurance that the spirit of this dear man now dwells directly in the presence of God, and that one day he will be reunited with his body, albeit perfected and glorified (I Corinthians 15:52). The eternal, perfect, and infinitely faithful Word of God bears witness to this truth and gift of grace. Thus, we most assuredly know where Mr. Lebarron is, not lost, and in fact, we better know his locale now than ever we did during his earthly lifetime.
“The Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35).
Every promise God ever made has either already been fulfilled, or is in the process of coming to pass. “All the promises of God in Christ are yea” (II Corinthians 1:20). Not one will fail. Not one. I think of this as we mourn the passing of our dear brother, Mr. Lebarron, while rejoicing in his Heavenly homegoing. This doesn’t surprise me, of course, that his departure would elicit such thoughts of our Heavenly Father’s faithfulness and truth. Godspeed, Mr Lebarron. We will greatly miss seeing you and your service to God and people. And I will miss those smiles and nods that were among my favorite amens and affirmations.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”
(Psalm 116:15)
Weekly Memory Verse
“He that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works”
(Hebrews 4:10).
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