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"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine" (Isaiah 43:1).
At many graduation ceremonies, some speaker will offer something to the tune of, "Your life is in your hands. You are the master of your own fate. So, dream your own dreams, set your goals high, reach for the stars, work hard, and you can be whatever you want to be."
Very few are taken in by this rubbish. We are too in touch with our own limitations to believe that any of this is true. Each of us can only be the persons we are—with our unique histories and abilities along with our weaknesses and sins. These constraints keep most of us well grounded on the earth.
Further, everyone quickly learns that many aspects of life are out of our control. We can eat well and exercise appropriately and still find ourselves with a life altering disease too early. We may study hard and still not get accepted into our university of choice. Market fluctuations caused by unknown agents effect our employment and retirement opportunities. Driving carefully does not shield us from the carelessness of other drivers.
Life is not in our control. This is a sobering reality which frightens many. There is little we can do to change this situation. It is into this fear that the Heidelberg Catechism begins its exploration of the Christian faith. In answer to the question, "What is your only comfort?" the answer comes, "That I am not my own, but belong-body and soul, in life and in death-to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ".
This is a sweeping and bold profession, full of reassurance against the uncertainties of life. It does not suggest that tragedy will not strike. Rather, it assures that no mater what happens to us, we belong to God.
In this answer, the Catechism teaches that God is as concerned about our bodies as our souls. It refuses to follow the track that suggests the physical is of lesser value than the spiritual. That is why I take this confession with me to the cemetery. When body and soul are temporarily separated by physical death, God still holds the loved one. Death cannot separate us from our Father in heaven.
But this confession should not be saved only for such occasions. When we use it as a last cheer-me-up when everything else has failed we may find that it does not have the desired effect. Christian comfort will show its power for the dying when it is used as daily vitamins by the living. It invites us to live as comforted people this day.
This belief is not a bomb shelter to hide in when life is leaving us. These are the prescriptions by which we live today.
Often, at tourists traps one can buy some clothing that says, "I am the property of…" and then the name of wherever one is. Christians have engraved on their hearts, "I am the property of Jesus Christ, Lord of the universe." This is the conviction that brings us through each day, and as we live into it, we can approach life and death with confidence.
As you journey on, receive Jesus' invitation:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:28-29).
