What a Fellowship!

What a fellowship, what a joy divine,

Leaning on the everlasting arms;

What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,

Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Lyrics, What a Fellowship,

Elisha A. Hoffman, pub.1887

Deuteronomy 33

27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

What a fellowship we enjoyed Aug. 25 at Katie Carollo's family "hotel" on Harsens's Island north of Detroit on the St. Mary's River.  As always it was a memorable time.  One thing struck me above all else as we gathered to sing old songs of faith like the one above and to remember the people who no longer gathered with us in flesh as well as spirit.  It struck me with great force that we were ALL gathered in a marvelous fellowship that afternoon. Jesus declared that "Where two or more are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.:" Matt 18:20  We certainly were gathered that way on the  Island and those who have gone before us to heaven are joined with the resurrected Jesus around God's throne.

So what's the big deal?  Obviously we are an older group of people (average age around 68) and many of us have lost spouses and dear friends during the past years. The naked truth is that some of us live on a rather thin edge and could face death much sooner than later.  However, instead of inspiring fear, there is a rare comfort in knowing that our fellowship will not be threatened or reduced in all reality by our deaths, but rather COMPLETED by death as we enter that perfect place of fellowship with Jesus and all the saints along with the Church here on earth.

It is at this point that I hear a ringing taunt that Paul the Apostle hurled in Satan's face.

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”[c]

55 “Where, O death, is your victory?

    Where, O death, is your sting?”[d]

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is almost ironic that someone who faces a diagnosis of incurable cancer should find such comfort in being among all these wonderful people many of whom have been touched by death.  Like many Christian funerals I have attended there is a genuine sense of joy and comfort knowing that death is a door and not a destination. "Where O Death is your victory?"