Today’s Manna!
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
The Daily Manna family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Pastor, Rev. Glenford Gordon, of City Road Baptist Church. He passed away on 13 January, 2024, having completed his earthly race and now awaiting the crown of glory. The Daily Manna community owes a great debt of gratitude to him for introducing “Daily Manna” to the World and praying for this ministry during the worship service on Sunday, 29 October 2023.
While we are shaken by his sudden departure, we are also profoundly grateful for the incredible legacy he leaves behind. Pastor Gordon was more than just a leader; he was a shepherd, a mentor, and a friend to countless individuals within our community and beyond.
Throughout his ministry, Pastor Gordon tirelessly served the needs of his flock, offering guidance, comfort, and unwavering support. His dedication to serving God and his community was evident in everything he did, from his passionate sermons to his countless acts of kindness.
Pastor Gordon’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched. He leaves behind a community of individuals who were inspired by his faith, challenged by his wisdom, and comforted by his compassion. His teachings and example will continue to guide us as we strive to live lives of service and dedication to God.
During this time of grief, we remember Pastor Gordon with love and admiration. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire City Road Baptist Church community. We are confident that his memory will be a cherished blessing to all who knew and loved him.
As we all know, Departure is saddening. We all have to deal with it one day. And when it comes to the loss of loved ones, the questions echo in the hollow spaces: What happens after this life? Will I see them again? And when it comes to the loss of loved ones, the questions echo in the hollow spaces: What happens after this life? Will I see them again?
In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul writes to a young church grappling with such questions. He acknowledges their grief, saying, “We do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, so that you will not grieve as others do who have no hope.” (v. 13) He doesn’t dismiss their pain, but offers a glimmer of hope, a whispered promise that transcends earthly mourning.
This hope hinges on the “great mystery” (1 Corinthians 15:51) of Christ’s resurrection. Paul assures them, “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” (v. 16) The image is awe-inspiring – a cosmic orchestra announcing the triumph of life over death, a trumpet call that pierces the silence of the grave.
But Paul doesn’t stop there. He comforts the living with a beautiful vision of reunion: “Then we who are still alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.” (v. 17) This isn’t just a vague promise of an afterlife; it’s a picture of intimate connection, a joyful reunion woven into the very fabric of eternity.
This hope isn’t meant to erase grief, but to transform it. The tears may still flow, but now they mingle with the sweet nectar of anticipation. We grieve, yes, but not as those without hope. For death has been conquered, the sting of separation blunted by the promise of an unbreakable bond that transcends the very veil of mortality.
This doesn’t make everything easy. Grief is a complex journey, and the shadows of loss can linger. But remembering Paul’s words, clinging to the hope of Christ’s return, can light a candle in the darkness. It can remind us that our loved ones aren’t lost, but simply ahead on the path. It can whisper, “They’re waiting for you, and you for them, in the glorious embrace of Christ’s homecoming.”
So today, amidst the tears, hold onto hope. Let the promise of reunion be a balm to your aching heart. And when doubt creeps in, remember the trumpet call, the shout of victory, and the joyous gathering in the clouds. For in Christ, even death is a doorway, and grief a prelude to the unending melody of love that awaits.
Remember, dear friend, hope is not a fragile flame, but a blazing fire that even death cannot extinguish. Let it guide you through the shadows, illuminate your path, and warm your heart with the promise of love that stretches beyond the grave. For in Christ, there is no “goodbye,” only an eternal “togetherness.”
For in Christ, there is no “goodbye,” only an eternal “togetherness.”
Prayer: Dear Lord, in Your mercy, grant us the comfort of Your hope, the assurance of Christ’s promise. Fill our hearts with the vision of reunion, the joy of knowing that we are not separated forever. Grant us faith to walk through the valley of grief, holding onto the hand of Your unfailing love. And when doubt whispers, remind us of the trumpet call, the victory shout, and the day we will embrace our loved ones once again, forever bathed in the light of Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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