I had an experience years ago that I never want to relive. I was pastoring a church on the east side - and the call came about 3pm to the office that a Pastor was needed. I got in the car and drove a short distance - I arrived at the home not knowing what to expect. Police cars were everywhere. Neighbors, some concerned - some curious, were in the streets. I quickly sensed that this was not your normal pastoral call. As I entered the home I was stopped by police and questioned as to who I was and why I was there. After examination, I entered the home. The situation was tragic. Two young boys, one in 1st grade - his brother in 4th grade, had somehow gotten hold of a gun that was kept in the home. The older boy, playing, shot his little brother in the head. The parents were totally distraught.
Why was I there? They had asked for a Pastor. I fumbled in my mind as to what I should say - how could I bring anything to this couple who’s feelings were raw, red hot pain.
C. J. Mahaney in his little book, “The Cross Centered Life” tells of a Pastor who had a similar experience. A young father was cleaning his gun; it went off killing his son. The Pastor was at a loss to know any comfort he could bring... then he sensed the Lord saying to him: “Tell him I understand. Tell him I killed my son - except it wasn’t an accident.” The comfort that comes from our faith is that our heavenly Father understands. He experienced - He knew suffering.
Now, I knew that intellectually, but as a young Pastor I had never been called to such a horrific life changing moment. It was overwhelming. Truth be told - I didn’t know how they felt - and I didn’t want to be there. I had enough sense to know that the words that I spoke should be few and measured. I sat with them for what seemed like forever - the police did what they needed to do. We sat together hugged - and cried.
Many of you have experienced deep suffering. There is an element of mystery in all our suffering that can never be fully addressed in this life. What I do know is this. Our Heavenly Father knows. I know that because of the cross. Mahaney makes this insightful comment: “What will bring rest and release is spending more time meditating on the cross and the God of the cross.” It’s at the cross that we see the deep deep love that our Father had for us in His darkest hour. Jesus said I will never leave you - I will not abandon you. No matter how dark the day, how difficult the journey, He’s always present… and that is always enough. The One who sits at God’s right hand, the One who on this earth suffered terribly, is the One who “always lives to make intercession for us.” As I sat with this couple… I prayed. I cried and when the Holy Spirit led - I spoke of Jesus - I spoke of the cross and remembered the words of the old song “nothing in my hand I bring simply to thy cross I cling.” That’s all I had to bring - that’s what I always have to bring - the message of a God who went to the cross. “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who believe it is the power of God.” -1 Corinthians 1:18 I don’t know about your tomorrow or my tomorrow - but I know He’s there. Yes, He is there!