Devotion: The Denial of Death
The Denial of Death
Please review the scripture from the weekend, Matthew 26:14-16, 20-25, 36, 47-50
On the day I write this devotion, the United States will surpass 500,000 deaths from COVID-19. This milestone is making headlines. I think back to a year ago. The prediction of potential deaths at that time was calculated at 240,000. The health experts who provided those estimates were scorned for “inflating” the fears of what some claimed was nothing at all. Almost exactly a year ago today, I remember instructing our custodians to remove the dozens of extra rolls of toilet paper we leave in our restrooms because I received reports of people targeting public places specifically to steal it. Today the news is filled with stories of places in our great nation in which families cannot find a funeral home to care for the body of their deceased loved one. Think of that transition for a moment, a lack of toilet paper has transitioned to a lack of care for the dead.
The crisis is real. We have so many people who are grieving right now.
I can think of no better place to be, when reflecting on and healing from the onslaught of death, than the church. I can think of no better place of comfort, and I can think of no better place to seek hope than the church. And the season of Lent is the perfect time to be here, as we confront the injustice, seemingly hopeless and helpless journey to the cross, all to have it be transformed into new life, through the resurrection of our Lord.
From death comes life, let us not deny this…
Gracious God, life seems so heavy right now. Come to us, we pray. In the midst of all that seems to lead to death and despair, give us the reassurance of hope. Bring us together as the church and hold us together in your love. Amen.
Written by Pastor Greg Bouvier
Pastor Greg heard God’s call to Sheridan in 1999 and that began a journey which has become his life’s work. Having played a variety of roles as pastor of Sheridan, Pastor Greg was called as the Senior Pastor in 2011. He now leads the staff and his primary focus is on the creation of culture, the overall direction of worship and partnering with our amazing team. Pastor Greg has been married to Rose for more than 30 years and together they have two servant-hearted grown children.