I am going to a funeral today.  The second in a month.  Both for men I cared for very much, and both way before their time (in my earthly opinion.)  I am sad today because I have lost two people that meant a great deal to me. However, I also learned so much about my own faith from both of them.

They were completely opposite in their theological positions, their convictions, and their social principles.  They were two souls, each seeking God in very different ways.  And yet, they were both still able to agree on the most important thing:  the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Both men did their very best to walk with God and follow His leadings, yet they took very different paths to get there.

Some might ask, “How can this be?”  How can two people claim to follow the same God and have completely different ways of doing so?  I believe it points us to a foundational truth about our Heavenly Father:  There is room enough for EVERYBODY in His house.  Even though the world saw them as different, God sees them the same:  beloved children trying to please their loving Father.  They are each precious in His sight and treasured.

I have no doubt that they are both in heaven today, singing and rejoicing in the presence of our Lord.  And as they, along with all the other saints of God, praise His holy name I believe there are no more differences.  I believe everyone in heaven experiences only brotherly love and kinship.

I am thankful today for my two friends.  They each taught me much about the grace and unending love of Jesus.  I am grateful for the opportunity they each gave me to learn that I can love all God’s people, and I can be enriched by their love for me.  I am thankful for learning through them to see every souls through the eyes of our Savior.

Trusting that they are dancing with joy,

Amen

 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.  As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him.  For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 10:9-13