"Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord" (Romans 14:8) The Heidelberg Catechism's first concern is comfort, but this is not a life of ease. Rather, comfort refers to the resources we need to make it through the difficult times of life. When asking the question, "What is your only comfort in life and in death?", the authors are suggesting that we might have many sources of comfort, but there is one that surpasses them all and is the only one necessary. The answer is simple, yet profound: "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 beautiful summary of the Christian faith. It's a melody woven through the Bible. God hints at it when he asks Adam and Eve, "Where are you?" It underlies the entire Abraham narrative, extending throughout the story of Israel, as articulated in God's words to Joshua, "I will be with you, so do not be afraid" (Joshua 1). The New Testament picks up the tune, as in our text, "Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." Elsewhere we read, "You are not your own; you were bought with a price" (I Corinthians 6:19-20). Yet again, "[God] has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves" (Colossians 1:13). In John's gospel, Jesus speaks of not losing any of the sheep his father has given him but giving them eternal life (John 6:39-40 & 10:28). This is encapsulated in the parable of the Good Shepherd who refuses to quit searching until he has found his lost sheep. Satan will tempt us with thoughts that we are unworthy, too sinful for God to love. He will attempt to confuse us, suggesting that the hardships of life mean that God doesn't care about us. We will meander into believing that we need to manage life on our own. But God comes to us, like he came to Adam and Eve and to Abraham. To us, he also says, "I am your God and you are my child." And Jesus shows us his stripes, his nail scarred hands and spear-pierced side, saying, "This is what I endured. You are mine, now and forever." And the Holy Spirit, enables us to approach God with, "Abba, Father, Daddy." As Jesus "took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them", so the Father takes us, embraces us and refuses to let us go. This is what we believe. This is the comfort that enables us to face our own humanity, to admit our sinfulness in the presence of God. We don't confess in the hope of forgiveness; no, we confess knowing we are already forgiven. This profession is the Christian answer to life's deepest questions and death's darkest riddles. Though much of life we do not understand and death is always beckoning, we know that we belong, not held by our own strength, but by God's. As you journey on, go with his blessing: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.
