Their mortal bodies have been swallowed up by life. That’s how Paul describes it in 2 Corinthians 5.4. They now stand in the presence of their Lord. Though they are no longer visible to us, they now see their Savior face to face.
Marie Frederick — along with her husband, Charles, her sons, Bud and Bob, and Bob’s wife, Karol — was a charter member of both East Ridge PC and of Covenant PC. Marie’s graveside celebration took place last Monday afternoon.
Waymon Gaither was Jeff and Todd’s father. He was a godly man whom the Lord wonderfully blessed with a precious wife, Sue, four sons, four daughters-in-law, and ten grandchildren. He was also a man used by God to bless others. Waymon and Sue were and are regular attenders of Woodland Park Baptist Church, but it was our privilege and honor to celebrate the blessings of his life in our sanctuary this past Saturday afternoon.
As a church we are able to celebrate, even as we weep, the death of such saints, because of what we will celebrate in a particular fashion during the next three weeks — the passion of our Lord.
His royal entrance into Jerusalem on a foal, His cleansing of the Temple, His celebration of the final Passover, His prayers in the Garden, His betrayal and arrest, His trial and crucifixion, His resurrection and appearances — these historical moments of salvific importance will fill our hearts and minds, and be the specific focus of our worship.
We’re going to view these events from the perspective of an OT prophet who lived more than 500 years before the birth of Christ. His name was Zechariah, who, along with Haggai, was raised up by the Lord to stir up God’s people to complete the task for which they had returned to Jerusalem: the rebuilding of the Temple.
This coming Sunday, March 29, we will look quickly at the night visions of Zechariah in chapters 1.1 - 6.8. Palm Sunday, April 5, we will examine more carefully Zechariah 3.1-10, 6.6-9.17, as well as chapters 7-9. And then Easter morning, Pastor Mullinax and I will lead us through the awesome message of Zechariah 9.1-14.21.
These concluding six chapters, tell...
- about a king riding into Jerusalem upon the foal of a donkey;
- about a shepherd deserted by his flock, who pay for his services with thirty pieces of silver, which end up being thrown into the temple to the potter;
- about a shepherd struck down, by the Lord, and the sheep scattered;
- about the Spirit being poured out upon people who mourn and grieve as they look upon the one whom they have pierced;
- about the opening of a fountain that will cleanse the inhabitants of Jerusalem of their sins and impurities;
- about the coming day of the Lord, when He will rule visibly as King over all the earth, worshiped by all the nations of the earth.
So this is your assignment: before Sunday read Zechariah 1.1-6.8. Don’t try to examine carefully the individual trees. Read to see the forest and the lay of the land. As is suggested in the ESV Study Bible’s introduction to Zechariah: Allow the images and symbols to activate your imagination before attempting to discern the details symbolized.
The Gospel According to Zechariah — that’s the Gospel now celebrated, face to face with the Shepherd/King, by Marie and Waymon. And may it be the Gospel that one day you also will be allowed to celebrate in the presence of Him Who has come to purchase forgiveness and proclaim peace.
Pastor Caines