Studying in seminary, and preparing for ministry, is a very exciting time of life. You are full of hope and can’t wait to preach, perform weddings and take on the mantle of pastoral responsibility. And then, you sit for an oral defense of a dissertation to provide the capstone of additional education. I remember those days so well.
And then, it’s over. The studying until 2:00 a.m. and getting up at 5:30 a.m. to get ready for class. Hours upon hours of homework each week. Not only do we learn about God, but we, hopefully, enter into a deeper relationship with Him. And believe me, you come to depend on the Holy Spirit to accompany you in every aspect of your ministry.
The reason I mention all this is that one of the first things I was asked to do with my newfound education was to do the eulogy for my closest childhood friend, Bob. Bob and I had grown up together. His father had died on Christmas Eve in 1962 and Bob was closer than a brother to me. He was like another son to my parents. He was a cancer survivor and then, after everything he had been through, he suffered a major stroke. He asked me to wait until the next day to come visit him in Kalamazoo. Instead, he died early the next morning. Bob was just 50 years old and I just couldn’t wrap my head around what had happened.
Janet, our son, Andrew, and I went to Kalamazoo to prepare for the funeral. I was nervous – very nervous. Somehow, when the time came for me to do the message, I was suddenly calm, kind of like an out of body experience. Undoubtedly, the Holy Spirit took over and I was able to get through the eulogy. In fact, old high school friends and acquaintances remarked on the personal aspect I talked about during the funeral. The pastor had only met Bob once or twice so it was helpful for him to have me to recount many stories about our lives together. It was a miracle that I got through it.
As many of you know, our oldest daughter, Kristin, was commissioned into the Presbyterian Church several weeks ago and she is just starting her formal ministry as a fully commissioned member of the pastorate. While she has been active in children’s and young adult ministry for 20 years or so, her new role comes with additional responsibilities including preaching, the sacraments, benedictions, baptisms and so many other pastoral functions.
But last week, something happened. A dear college friend of Kristin’s passed away, at the age of 50. She was diagnosed last December with brain cancer, exacerbated when it metastasized into her liver. Megan wanted to keep her illness quiet and Kristin didn’t even learn of it until after Megan’s death. They were college roommates, best friends and along with April, another dear friend, they lived life together throughout their college years. Of course, I called Kristin and knew that this death would be utterly impossible for her to process. The death of a dear friend is something that defies explanation. And when you put on the added responsibility of preaching the funeral, grieving is almost a luxury.
Yesterday afternoon, Megan’s funeral took place – and Kristin did a remarkable job. She told stories, recounted their college years before Megan was even married, let alone having children, and added a spiritual component that was a request of the family. In fact, she even issued an invitation for those who have yet to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. People who attended the celebration of Megan’s life swore that Kristin was absolutely in the presence of the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t surprise me a bit. After all, I’ve experienced the same thing myself. While being asked to perform this duty is a privilege and honor, it is also a heavy burden, especially your first one – and even more intense when it’s one of your closest friends who had a great impact of your college life.
Our verse for tonight comes from the book of Acts, one of the New Testament books written by Luke. Luke tells us, in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Every pastor I know depends on this promise of God when doing the tough work of ministry. I have learned that we must let the Holy Spirit wash over us and depend on Him to carry us through whatever assignment we have to do.
I spoke with Kristin after the service and it is clear that she hardly remembered what she said. That is not an uncommon response. Once again, I have experienced the same thing myself. In these kinds of situations, you almost need someone to help you debrief so you have a better understanding of what transpired. The Holy Spirit is a powerful force. My encouragement this evening is that we can depend on the Holy Spirit to take over for us when we just don’t know what to say or to pray for. There is a powerful connection when you are in the Spirit. My prayer is that each of us will depend on the Holy Spirit, the least known member of the Trinity, and find the peace that surpasses all understanding when we are under that influence.
In conclusion, Bob would have celebrated his 73rd birthday today… And in one of those rare coincidences, or possibly divine interventions, our son, Andrew, also celebrated a birthday today – number 44. In the midst of all this, it is a wonderful joy to have a birthday to celebrate. Happy Birthday, Andrew. We love you… Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…