Inseparable Love: The Legacy of a Faithful Servant
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Introduction:
Dear friends and family, we gather today in the shadow of loss but also in the light of eternal hope. We are here to remember, celebrate, and give thanks for the life of Linda Schutter, a woman whose life was a beacon of faith, love, and godly strength. That strength came from her God and the truth of the bible. Particularly Romans 8:1-2
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
A long time ago, this verse became a vivid reality for Linda. As she walked through this life. In the great moments and in the extreme challenges, her biggest challenge, being an enemy of God, was gone because of Christ’s beautiful sacrifice on the cross on her behalf. At the point of her salvation, she was no longer condemned because she was in Christ Jesus. Linda was set free from the law of sin and its inevitable result, death, which is separation from God. It was at that time, Linda’s eternal life began. And so we cling to the promises of God. That because of her relationship with Jesus, she is now with the one who loved her so well - the God of the Bible.
As I met with the family they said one passage that was near to her heart was Romans 8. I certainly cannot preach through the entire chapter, there are some highlights from the chapter that I will point out and how they corresponded to Linda’s life and legacy.
1. Linda’s Life Reflected God’s Goodness (vs. 28-30)
Linda’s life was a living testament to the truth of Romans 8:28-30. She exemplified what it means to love God and be called according to His purpose. Her faith was not just a part of her life; it was her life. She trusted in God’s plan, even when the path led through valleys of shadows.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Praise God, Linda was not only justified because of the finished work of Christ on the cross, his burial and resurrection, but Jesus also has glorified her. She is now in the presence of her Savior.
But in this life, Linda served faithfully as a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a cherished member of our church family. She was the hands and feet of Jesus, showing kindness and love in practical, everyday ways. Whether it was a warm meal for a family in need, a comforting word in a time of distress, or her unwavering presence in our church activities, Linda embodied the love of Christ.
As I spoke with the family, they shared some sweet memories of Linda that help us to further appreciate the wonderful woman she was.
A kitchen covered in flour as little hands help bake.
Spoonerisms as she’d accidentally mix up the first the first letters of words. Examples: I was hocked and shorrified. He rode off on a well-boiled icicle. Is it kisstomarry to cuss the bride?
Mom was rather nervous - doing a quick intake of air when dad would hit the brakes, and she liberally use the word ‘emergency’ to describe things like spilled water
Mom would pick out dad’s clothes and send him back when she didn’t approve of his choices
She loved to do crafts with the grandkids. Every time we got together she had a project up her sleeve. But the result was inevitably her kids trying to leave the crafts ‘for grandma’ - however grandpa making sure they were in the car to go home.
Mom thought every meal required ice in the drinks, a napkin under every fork, lots of butter, and every single person taking their first bite at the same time.
The person who sat at the dinner table closest to the kitchen was called a “Johnny Jump Up” and was expected to grab whatever was forgotten.
She called a small amount of things a “dibby dab.”
Any item worn over your shirt she called a “sleeve.”
Probably the most enduring memory of all was her unflagging trust in a God who works all things together for good. Linda will forever be remembered as a woman who loved and trusted her God.
2. Linda’s Life Demonstrated the Assurance of God's Love (Romans 8:35-39)
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In Romans 8:35-39, Paul asks, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" The answer is a resounding "Nothing." Linda's life and her courageous battle with cancer were profound witnesses to this truth. Her faith did not waver; her hope did not falter because she knew that neither death nor life could separate her from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Today, as we remember Linda, let us also remember the assurance of God's love. This love is our comfort, our strength, and our hope. It is a love that endures beyond the grave.
Let me tell you about the basis for Linda love for God. You simply must understand what I am about to tell you.
God is most certainly a God of love and for this we are grateful. However, God is not just some benevolent grandfather in the sky who dutifully gives His creation whatever they desire. No, the God of the Bible, the giver of all life, is also the Righteous Judge who is obligated to not only judge righteously but to punish all who do not meet the standard of righteousness – perfection – and send them to eternal Hell.
This is God. He must, in order to be true to His character, punish sin.
However, God is not just a righteous judge, He is also a loving God who desires for His creation to have a right relationship with Him. This is a bit of a conundrum.
God loves you but He must judge you. What is He to do?
His only option is to judge someone in your place. Someone who is divine and human, someone who is sinless and qualified to be a savior. There is someone who fits this description – Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ appeared on this earth 2000 years ago for the express purpose to pay the sin debt you owe to God.
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
And for those He loves, He promises to bring to himself.
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
The righteous Judge’s wrath was satisfied through Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. You must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved. Linda believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and lived a life that demonstrated not only her salvation from the wrath of God but also her profound love for Jesus!
And this leads us to the third and final thought for this morning.
3. Linda’s Life Pictured the Victory Over Suffering and Death
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Linda's journey on this earth has ended, but her story does not end in death. Romans 8:37-39 reminds us that in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Linda has conquered. She has fought the good fight, finished the race, and now she rests in the victory of Christ.
This victory gives us hope. It assures us that death is not the end but a passage into eternal life with our Lord. For Linda, and for all who depart this life in faith, there is the promise of resurrection and life everlasting.
Conclusion:
As we say our earthly farewells to Linda, let us hold tightly to the promises of God. Let our tears be mixed with the joy of knowing that one day we shall see her again, not as we are now, but in the glory of God's eternal kingdom.
Let us leave here not only mourning Linda's passing but also celebrating her life and the inseparable love of God that she now fully knows and experiences. May her legacy inspire us to live our lives in faith, love, and the hope of the Gospel.
Just one more thing. If Linda were here today, she would insist that I ask you this question. Do you know Jesus Christ in a personal way? Do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do, then the promise is when it is your time to die, and that time will come, you will be absent from your body and present with the Lord.
However, if you do no have a relationship with Christ, if He is not your Savior, then you will be separated from God for all eternity in Hell.
I know for a fact that if Linda were standing here this morning, she would BEG you to accept the free gift of salvation and turn your life over to Christ for safe keeping. Today is the day of salvation!
In closing, let us pray together, thanking God for Linda’s life and the hope we have in Jesus Christ.