For a Child Trapped in a Fire

Psalms 121 and 23Romans 8:31-39Colossians 1:3-6 and 11, 121 John 4:7-21Matthew 11:25-30Mark 10:13-16John 14:1-6 and 27

In our day the funeral of a child is an infrequent experience for a pastor. Nevertheless, each of us will encounter this situation without warning, and need to minister to it.

The background for this sermon was the death of a five and a half year old boy in a house fire. The dynamics which are recognized in dealing with the family include the presence of shock, guilt, and the ever-present question of why? First contacts with the family did not reveal all that they were feeling, and invariably, further contact and counseling will be needed. In this instance, the funeral service is an initial opportunity to open up some of the issues that may need …