These days before a death-anniversary weigh heavily on us. By this time, 5 years ago, Michael (27 years old suffering with cancer of the spine) was in a deep, deep coma. He has gone through the terrible trauma’s of pain, change and the worst news time after time, facing death, and suffering with a spirit that filled us with admiration and pride. By this time, 5 years ago, Michael had virtually run this marathon and he was breathing with difficulty. Humanly speaking we as his close family felt as if we were going to fall apart. Our solid solace, at this stage already, was Michael’s prayer of heart-felt confession of his sins and a super-human peace came over him from the time he knew he was right with Jesus, forgiven and accepted and ready to die.The memories, some so intimate and full of dignity, some bringing back the tears, some triggering today again deep, deep wonder and gratitude. Five years ago we as Michael’s family were with him every hour of his last days. In that room, love flowed. We did whatever human beings could for our loved-so Michael who was going through the valley of death. And there in that room, we leaned heavily on our loving God’s mercies, which proved day after day to be new every morning. We were physically and emotionally exhausted and almost totally drained, but driven by our love for Michael. And by being strong in the power of God’s compassionate might. On the dawn of our Michael’s last day and hour, there too, our Father’s mercy and loving presence carried us. More importantly, carried Michael all the way into the stunning glory and presence of the living God.
Yesterday, at Spicer Street church morning service, Gordon and I sat on the balcony in line with the pianist. She played extremely skilfully, long arms stretched out in front of her. Not showy, just given over to the music and especially to the words. At first she led us strongly to sing softly and contemplatively – then, finally, triumphantly. Moved to tears, and giving thanks that on a the darkest day of all, Christ was on the road to Calvary.
And here are some of many solid reasons we mourn for Michael with hope:- Jesus took the blame, bore the wrath, we stand forgiven at the cross!
- Death is crushed to death, life is mine to live, won through your selfless love.
- This the power of the cross: Son of God – slain for us. What a love! What a cost! We stand forgiven at the cross.
This link will take you straight to Keith and Kristyn Getty's rendition. Shall we, together, listen with wonder and faith?
Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.
CHORUS:
This, the pow’r of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.
Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Ev’ry bitter thought,
Ev’ry evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.
Now the daylight flees;
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
“Finished!” the vict’ry cry.
Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death;
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.
FINAL CHORUS:
This, the pow’r of the cross:
Son of God—slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.
And for something more on "Suffering is real–God’s loving-kindness is real" and you if you have another few minutes, see this link to a previous post.
