With the Lord

Dear Members and Friends of IBCZ,

If you attended our worship service last Sunday, or if you watched online, you know that Daniela and I are in the United States this week.  Last week we learned that my Mom’s strength was fading and the time of her 101-year old earthly journey would soon be drawing to a close.  We made arrangements to fly here to see my Mom one last time before she entered eternal glory in the presence of the Lord.

Unfortunately, we were a few hours too late.  Just as the plane was touching down in the United States, my Mom left this world behind.  We were, of course, so disappointed that we did not get here in time, but that really means we did not get here in our time.  The perfectly wise God has His own timing, and we trust in Him.  We grateful that one of my sisters was with my Mom, holding her hand, when she joined the great cloud of witnesses (Heb. 12:1) in God’s presence.  Several times in the few days before flying here, we were able to speak with my Mom via Zoom as a few other family members gathered in her room to sing some of her favorite hymns.  We were able to tell her how much we loved her, and assure her that soon she would be experiencing a much greater love.  So, we are grateful for those opportunities.

One of my nephews put it so beautifully.  My Mom was almost totally blind the last twenty years or so.  And so, after not seeing a face for twenty years, the first face she saw was that of her Lord Jesus.  For that, we give thanks.  And that is the sure and certain hope we all have as followers of Jesus.

As Jesus said to one of his earthly followers, Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.  The one who believes in me will live even though they die; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.”  Thanks be to God!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Bob