Service

27 January 2022

‘Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.’ (v36) Acts 13:32–41

It can seem discouraging to recall that from the moment we’re born we are approaching the grave! We can brood on this or live making the most of our time. The pandemic reminded me that worry couldn’t help me since the psalmist says that my life on earth is set by God (Psa. 139:16).

Worry can’t add one hour to my mortal vacation (Matt. 6:27). So, I just got on with life. My wife caught Covid, which turned into the long variety. It has had a big impact on her, and our life choices, yet it hasn’t interrupted our service of God.

Jayne had been deeply involved in the church’s children’s work and, unable to resume her active participation, she was able to design and write up the curriculum. In this way, like David, in perhaps somewhat humbler surroundings, she continues to serve God’s purpose in her generation.

Now with three health conditions colliding within her fragile mortality there is only one way forward; and that’s to keep serving God’s purpose while alive, before death invites her to depart for pastures new, and in many ways more attractive.

What a privilege that our lives can be invested in serving God and, when death carries us home, it’s encouraging that we can point out we did God’s will with every breath we took. Another brick in the wall testifying to God’s faithfulness.