Bible Vomiting

I went to a memorial service this morning for Gaile Reider, known to me as the mother of Andy Reider the worship leader at Four Corners Community Church (where I serve as exectuive pastor). The service was unique. Gaile loved worship music, and many of her children are involved in leading, producing, and creating music - true, living monuments to her legacy. What was special about the event was that her children were leading the worship at the service. I am not sure how they were able to do it without falling apart - but the service was perfect and they all accomplished what they came to do.

Like usually happens at events like this one, the first few moments I considered my own mortality...selfish I know, but in a highly emotional time it's hard to think straight. After my own self-pitty party, I found myself very much immersed in the moment, feeling real empathy for the family - and especially Andy. I wish he still had his mom here with him.

This is the sixth funeral I have been to in about 2 years, about 1000% more than the number of funerals I have attended over the previous decade, and I have noticed one thing constant at each one...whenever someone (be it the pastor or a well-wisher) quotes Bible verse about being together with our loved ones one day it really does soothe the soul.

Granted, I hate (okay, not "hate" - but you know what I mean) Bible vomiters...people who always have a Bible verse for every situation. In fact, in the era of sarcastic humor in which we live, one of my favorite "jokes" is to be the first one to come up with a Bible verse for every situation (part of the fun of being on a young church staff). But as I sat there today and heard Dave Workman quote just a few Bible verses that talk about how God is our comfort and how followers of Jesus will be united with Gaile one day, I found myself realizing what I have known before - words spoken from the Bible can be powerful, cutting directly through to the heart.

Tomorrow, for our Sunday morning service, the programming team and I have place a worship song (Word of God Speak) just after the message by Ben Hodges - and in the middle of the song there will be a place for the reading of Psalms 139. I am really looking forward to experiece, and hope that everyone attending experiences the power in those words.