Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. Romans 14:8

Two stories from last week's news: here is the first:

Kim and Teddy were in love. Surrounded by family and friends they were married on the third anniversary of their first date. The wedding went exactly as they had planned. Then, during their first dance as husband and wife, Kim said she felt "light-headed". Shortly after, she collapsed and died.

Here is the second story. Firefighter David Harmon was walking the muddy, debris-filled fields of Castalian Springs, Tennessee. A tornado had destroyed homes, and it had taken lives. In the midst of the mess David saw a doll. But it wasn't a doll. It was a child. David touched the child's neck to see if there was a pulse. The boy took a breath and cried. He had survived after the storm had blown him more than one hundred yards. The child lived; his mother died.

Different stories? No, the same story. Both tell of people in love who have been separated by death. Both stories leave us confused. But both stories can end the same way. Because of Jesus' perfect life, His suffering, death, and glorious resurrection, there will be an unending reunion between husband and wife, mother and child. As St. Paul said, "whether we live, or whether we die (with faith in Jesus) we are the Lord's."

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, I give thanks for what You have done. Your sacrifice brings comfort to those who mourn. In Your Name. Amen.

Pastor Ken Klaus

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