Don't fear separation. Someone once said that we never really grow and change until we realize how alone we are. And think about this from a congregational perspective. If God didn't take a pastor and move them from time to time, we could start getting dependent and get our eyes off of the fact that it is Jesus who is the one who keeps coming to us. I will not leave you along he says.
Scripture teaches that here.
And I cannot think of another passage that more clearly states how much God wants to have a love relationship with each one of us. This passage is probably read at more funerals than any other. And I want to say a word today to those of you who may be here and not quite sure about your relationship with God. Today, the candle is lit because someone this past Tuesday, I think it was Beachmont Christian Camp, a young man gave his heart to Christ. That candle stands as a symbol that God calls us into a relationship because apart from Jesus Christ, we are separated from God.