Download In the World for December 16 here.
PRAISE FOR THE DEAD
Just over a week ago, many of us watched the memorial service for George H. W. Bush, the forty-first president of the United States. As is customary on such occasions, those who spoke praised President Bush. They spoke of his dedication to principle, his humility, his service to his country, and his faith in God. We tend to discount such remembrances somewhat, because we know that they often stretch the truth a bit—even while we secretly hope that our friends will do the same for us at our own funerals!
PRAISE FOR THE LIVING GOD
How different are the praises which David, the psalmist, offers for the living God! God is completely worthy of the superlatives David uses to describe the goodness and greatness of God. Compared to the temporary nature of our lives, God is not bound by time. Thus, God is the eternal One who blesses us physically and spiritually, both now and for eternity.
- What are the pros and cons of praising people at their funerals? Are we wrong to hope people will remember us kindlier than we deserve? Why or why not?
- In what ways have you experienced God’s goodness in the terms David uses? In what ways have you found that some of the items David mentions are not as true in your life as you wish they were? How do you reconcile the difference between your own experiences and what David says?
- Restate in your own words what David says about God’s goodness so that an unbeliever might understand.
—Charles R. Boatman
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