Summary

Bereavement 26.2.25 Word on the Week 19th April 2025.
It was John Chapman the Australian evangelist who pointed out a fundamental truth that married people one day will become single!
Himself a bachelor, totally supported marriage and encouraged us to make the most of it. The Lord gave us 64 years of married life, children and grandchildren and great grandchildren – we are truly blessed!
It was on the 26th February that my lifelong companion and best friend went home to be with Jesus. The body that had served her so well on earth was finished and her resurrection body became a reality (1 Corinthians 15 verse 42).
Despite failing health, which she disguised very effectively, I have come to realise the prodigious amount of work she was able to do! Right up to the 1st February when she lost her balance and fell breaking her leg, she was caring for others.
Well did the writer of Proverbs eulogise the work of a wife in the last chapter of the Book. Solomon knew something about love when he penned the words “Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away”. It endures and indeed is stronger than death (Song of Songs 8 verses 6 and 7).
The covenant of companionship, as marriage has been called, predates the fall. It is God’s gift to humankind and what a marvellous gift it is!
Among the many things I am finding out, one of the most difficult is the act of praying on one’s own! So much easier when we were together. It’s back to the battle of ‘wandering thoughts’.
The Apostle Paul writing to the Ephesian Church first outlines the prodigious work of uniting Jew and Gentile in Christ (Ephesians 2 verses 11 to 18) goes on to describe the work of uniting Saints above with the Saints below (chapter 3 verses 8 to 19).
Here is the reality that those who have finished their course on earth are now in heaven where they join with those on earth praying to the one God as Paul puts it “according to the eternal purposes accomplished in Jesus Christ our Lord.” So while Betty is no longer by my side we are still united in prayer to God through Jesus.
The Hymn ‘The Church’s one foundation’ 4th verse captures this truth: -
Yet she on earth hath union With God the Three in One, And mystic sweet communion
With those whose rest is won: O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we,
Like them, the meek and lowly, In love may dwell with Thee.
I conclude by thanking all for your prayers on my behalf.