Into the West....a Life of Farewells,But

Today was the funeral of my childhood friends Dad. As looked at the pictures that the family complied to reflect the life of the man , I remembered times spent with Jim , in his Dad's house. Good memories of my childhood. Then as the service ended and all the condolences were given , you say goodbye. In life it seems that life is always a series of farewells. You grow up and move out , as do your kids and then as you get older you have to say the hardest farewell . When death comes , that goodbye has a pain and hurt that is hard to put to words. It can crush you and leave you so defeated. I can still recall saying goodbye to my Mom. When cancer took her at 52 , some 17 years ago now, it was the hardest goodbye I have ever had to say. And if that was the end of the story it would be an end of despair. But there is a hope that takes the sting away from death and the grave does not have the victory. Sin brings with it death , for we are all sinners and not one of us will escape the grip of death but praise be to God for the Son . He came to break the curse of sin and death and on cross at Calvary, the sins of all who will repent and believe was placed on Him and He bore the wrath of the Father for our sin that we might be made new. Then on that glorious third day , life from death , Jesus is risen . Yes we will say farewell but for those who die in Christ , having confessed their sin , trusting in the work of Christ on the cross and the hope of His rising, will rejoice together again around the throne of God and what a beautiful day and reunion that will be.