“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”. 2 Timothy 4:7 I certain we all have heard a sermon based on 2 Timothy 4:7 with the additional comment of “well done” from Matthew 25:23. We most likely understood the message but possibly did not allow it to challenge us to the point of changing our ways so that we would finish well. Yesterday I attended a funeral held in Tiddville, which is deep in the Annapolis Valley and heard this message from a dead man or at least from those speaking about the life of this man. The funeral was held in Tiddville which is very small community which neither my GPS nor Google map wanted to recognize as existing. As is with most towns in this area, it is a village steeped in fishing and you could easily imagine a community of closeness. I had never met Clifford Bunker beyond a simple hello once but I know His daughter Julie and son-in-law Tim. We attended the funeral because we wanted Julie and Tim to know we care for them and for the things that affect their lives. I did not think I could come away thinking about what it truly means to care for someone. Clifford was a believer and so the funeral was one of hope. Each speaker talked about Clifford’s faith, his impact on his community and family, and his influence on their walk with Jesus. The pastor’s message was one of victory, salvation and the eternal walk with Jesus however his words about Clifford’s selflessness are what stood out to me. He said it was wonderful to be able to speak about a man’s kindness and genuine love for his neighbour with everyone present being in agreement and not wondering who they were speaking about. I left thinking about a man I did not know but had seen in churches I have attended. These are the men and women who are strong supporters of their church, its pastoral family, and of their congregation. They are the ones whistling or humming as they go about with the jobs that need done but most avoid. They are also the ones you know have a relationship with God that is obvious as everything about them seems to reflect their faith. Clifford’s funeral reminded me that it is important to leave a legacy of love and kindness for our family and community that was earned and strengthened through a life long relationship with God. I tired to attach a video with a song played at Clifford’s funeral “Just a closer walk with me” because it speaks of our desired relationship with Jesus. It is a song from the past that emphasis the future. FACEBOOK would not allow it so I have included the link. I hope you will take some time to listen to it and reflect on your own relationship with God. https://youtube/watch?v=hrM1aWtYpys
Posted on: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 11:29:03 +0000
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