A Life Hidden in Christ

Today I got a phone call. One of those calls that makes a person wish they had never picked up the phone. Yet as it has been for many decades, the deliverance of news already happened is unavoidable.

I cried when I heard that a very dear friend of mine was in glory. Tears fell just as they had when I heard he was dying of an incurable brain tumor. A fight with cancer over as soon as it had begun, leaving on the battle field a mourning wife, four children and their spouses, a host of grandchildren, one great grandchild and a church congregation with a gaping hole.

Mr. B. was my Sunday School teacher-- every lesson was taught with enthusiasm. More than likely Mr. B. enjoyed teaching even more than he did learning. Pouring over the scriptures and then receiving extra information from accompanying maps was not something the teacher shied away from.

Teaching Sunday school was not Mr. B’s only service to our tiny country church. I remember the sad Sunday when Mr. B. was no longer the song leader. The worship service still feels somewhat incomplete.

Mr. B. helped build our church. Later he served on the building committee, making plans to accommodate our ever growing congregation. Sadly the many hours of plans being made by Mr. B. will never bear the fruit of work by his hand. I don't think he will miss seeing the new church, seeing as now he is living in a mighty fine mansion over the hilltop.

I'll never forget the Sunday morning Mr. B. told the church that his unsaved family member had been saved. Mr. B. couldn't hardly retell the events for his voice was too full of emotion. His face was wet with tears. Sharing a prayer request about an unsaved relative or friend from Mr. B.’s lips was not uncommon. His heart was tender towards those who had not yet found their Savior. Very soon someday the two relations will be together in heaven because of Mr. B.’s witness.

Hardly uncommon at is it to hear people remark how they will miss a loved one’s smile. Cliche as it may sound, I have to say I will miss Mr. B.’s smile. The great works done by Mr. B. characterized him yet it was the warm smile and the genuine interest in your life that truly showed off his love for the Lord Jesus Christ. Words of affirmation often were given, special music will never receive the same praise again without Mr. B.’s "amen".

In a small church you associate more the body of Christ than with your own family. Mr. B. was a grandpa figure to me. I hardly knew my own grandpas- both died before I could reap lessons from their rich character. I feel honored and blessed I could know Mr. B. . Praise to the Father above that one day I will worship with Mr. B. together at our Lord’s feet. Thinking of this fills my heart with joy.

Now I'm sad. In a few short weeks I will be home from college and worshiping at my home church once again. An empty spot in a pew will be unbearably void, a seat used so often it might have remained warm from Sunday to Sunday. I can't bear to think of not seeing the fa miler smile nor hear the taken for granted "amens". a loved parishioner is gone, leaving behind an awful ache in our church family. One thing is certain Mr. B. would be the first to tell us to dry our tears for if we have believed we are heading to a place of no tears.

Mr. B. I'll miss you terribly. I just want you to know one thing. Reflecting on your life has drawn me to one conclusion--looking at your works does not extoll yourself but instead brings glory and honor to Christ our risen Savior.

¹ If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ³For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Col 3:1-4