Where did TJ go? By Pastor Alex Stadler

Where did TJ go?

By Pastor Alex Stadler

First Street Church

ABCRM Board Member

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:3–4, NIV

While preparing for a sermon, I listened to an interview. I heard the amazing story of how a family had followed Jesus through tragedy, and been led to bring comfort and hope to thousands, if not millions, of people.

A few days after being born, TJ died. But he left behind an older brother, who was far too young to understand where TJ went. So his aunt--the person who was being interviewed--wrote a book titled, Where Did TJ Go? It was meant to be a distinctly Christian children’s book to help them grieve loss. A book so powerful and so full of hope, that it quickly became a best-seller on Amazon.

Telling story after story of people reporting on how the book had brought hope and comfort to them, the author finally shouted through tears, "death, where is your victory? Where is your sting? You think you won? Absolutely not. Look what God is doing now." [Paraphrased]

I was so moved by the story, and it went so well with the week’s passage, I had to repeat it. I had to tell this real life story of how God used a tragedy to provide hope and comfort to so many people. I had to tell this story of how tragedy was not able to stop this family, but moved them to open people's eyes to the true hope of the gospel.

It was one of the few sermons I felt proud of while writing. But then something happened. Come Sunday, I was preparing to go on stage, when I saw someone take a seat. It was a mother who had not attended church in six weeks. I knew this, because I was with her family the day her daughter died, and was keenly aware of her absence since. But today of all days was the Sunday she was ready to come back to church. And of course, I'd prepared the saddest story possible to be my sermon's driver.

It was the most difficult sermon I ever delivered. Talking about God’s power to overcome death had become more tangible than I expected. I almost broke into tears multiple times. But I kept going and stayed true to what I believed God wanted me to share.

Afterwards, I wondered if I’d ended up harming this mother. However, she greeted the pastors with hugs and has been attending regularly since. The message overwhelmed her with grief. But more importantly she is experiencing in real-time that God’s kingdom is for the poor in spirit. Here with God’s people, she’s discovering comfort.

Brothers and sisters, keep preaching the gospel. It’s not a fairy-tale to make us feel better, it is true hope. And even though it’s difficult to talk about the things that make us mourn, it’s when we see God the clearest. One thing I keep reflecting on this year is that even when the truth brings us to our knees in tears, the truth is still the best thing for us.

Prayer

Triune God, we who are poor in spirit come to you. You are our comforter and our deliverance. You promise to save us from real problems--past, present, and future--and your promises never fall short. Give us strength to move forward in hope as we minister to the people you love. May your kingdom come and your will be done. Amen.

By Pastor Alex Stadler

First Street Church, Ft. Lupton, CO

American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains Board Member

https://1ststreetchurch.com/