And they speak to us of the reality of a God
who cares for each one of us - like a shepherd cares for his
sheep. Who's willing to go the extra mile to rescue what's
his. Because Christ was and is God's rescue mission to Earth
- That's what the crucifixion was all about and while on the
face of it, hanging on the cross it might have seemed to onlookers
that the mission had failed.
Far from it - because three days later Jesus rose from the
dead - on that first Easter Sunday.
That's what Christians have just celebrated at Easter - the
fact that Jesus is Alive - that He has conquered death - and
not just for himself but for all who put their trust in him.
This is God's unconditional offer of a love that never ends.
This is a love that surrounded Mark in life, a love that surrounds
him in death, a love in which we commend him to the Almighty.
There's a wonderful line in the Bible, right at the beginning
in Genesis - that tells us that we are all made in God's image.
That all of us, in our own, individual way reflect something
of the nature and character of God - like different facets
of a diamond.
And Gibbo in his own unique way reflected something of God's
glory - because he was made in God's image. And this shines
through - in His unique sense of
humour, his love of people, not least of all his love for
his own family, his sociability, generosity, thoughtfulness,
his love of music - Karaoke and so on.
Jesus too liked a party, he loved people - he turned water
in to wine and fed several thousand people on more than one
occasion. Like Jesus - Gibbo to was willing to pay the ultimate
price for what he believed in - as Jesus himself said "greater
love has no-one than this, that he lay down his life for his
friends"
The bible reading that Graham read for us, speaks of a time
when Jesus was preparing to travel to Jerusalem. The final
part of His mission.
He knew that the journey to Jerusalem would mean that he had
to face suffering and death.
Beginning to realise this, the disciples were afraid of being
left alone, they were afraid that they would never see Him
again. But Jesus assures them that they will see each other
again. And that they will come to know the love of a God who
has room for everyone, a God whose love knows no limits. This
love gave Jesus the strength to walk the way to the cross.
This love strengthened the disciples in the terrible aftermath
of his death, And this same love can give us the strength
and the hope and the courage that we need to go on from this
difficult time and into the future.
Gibbos's life and death has changed you and you will never
be the same again.
But God will help you find new ways of carrying on, God will
give you the strength to go on if you ask Him in a quiet moment
of prayer. Remember Gibbo as he was.
Remember the good times & the fun, his love and his care
for you.
Also, in your grief remember the living particularly Sheila
& Poppy, continue caring for one another (as I know you
have been) for you've all been touched by this terrible tragedy.
And finally don't forget to give thanks to God for Mark -
His life was a precious gift to all
of you. Lean on God, for God is strong and is able
to carry you through to the light and peace of a new day.
Amen.
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