When I think about emotional goodbyes, I think about two young men in the Bible who loved God and loved each other very much: David and Jonathan. Of course, it was not an easy situation. Jonathan’s father King Saul was trying to kill young David, and his best friend went to his father to find out how serious his hatred was. Jonathan instructed David to hide in the field and Jonathan would communicate in a previously agreed upon code as to whether or not the situation warrented David’s escape. If he told his servant boy, “Look, the arrows are beyond you,” then David would know he must flee.
Of course, we know the story, that Saul was intent on killing David, and Jonathan did instruct David to flee for his life. Thus Jonathan and David would never again see one another. They loved each other so much, but life was driving them apart.
1 Samuel 20:41-42 records the emotional scene:
And as soon as the boy had gone, David rose from beside the stone heap and fell on his face to the ground and bowed three times. And they kissed one another and wept with one another, David weeping the most. Then Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying, ’The Lord shall be between me and you, and between my offspring and your offspring, forever.’” And he rose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city.
As most of the church knows by now, I gave my resignation to Grace Baptist Church yesterday. For us too, life is driving us apart, and it’s time for goodbyes. The last seven years, along with all it’s friendships, triumphs, and challenges, have been a blessing from the Lord. You have allowed me and my family to become one of you. Our lives have become entangled in your lives. We will miss you dearly, but our friendships will endure.
Please keep us in your prayers as we will always remember Grace in ours. Sunday, May 27 will be our last Sunday. There will be tears, but we know that the Lord will be between me and you wherever we go.
We love you, and may God always grant the grace and peace of Jesus to Grace Baptist Church and to your lives.
Charlie
Position: Pastor
Email: charlie@graceforneworleans.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=670894466
