Divine Services for the Departed in the New Apostolic Church are nothing mystical. “We carefully avoid to talk and think about visions or dreams, or any speculation about the beyond” The Chief Apostle stated in view of the Divine Service for the Departed celebrated last Sunday. The theme of such a service is purely spiritual. God offers salvation to the departed and the living! This is what it is all about. Salvation for all mankind, regardless whether alive on earth or alive in the spiritual realm of the departed.
The second divine service with sacraments for the departed this year was celebrated at our Depok Church, on Sunday, 3rd July. The Apostles and Bishops from Indonesia, Ap. Desoloc and DEl. Beliot (from the the Philippines) who filled in for Ap. Diagbel who was hindered by an accident, gathered already on Saturday morning and deliberated on the application of “Live in the Spirit – walk in the spirit” for departed souls. Together with the District Apostle a divine service for all ministers and wives from the Jakarta area followed. “The team work of Moses, Aaron, Hur and Joshua (Exodus 17:11-12) brought the victory for Israel” the District Apostle explained. Our team work today will bring us the victory with Christ.
Depok church was full for the great service on Sunday morning. The Shepherd concept was already in the old testament an image for God’s loving care. (Ezekiel 34:12) Jesus Christ Himself said
“I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11) The good shepherd who gives His life for the sheep! Jesus wants to help all sinners and He goes as far as the last and lost and only one. Thinking of the multitudes needing salvation also in eternity, it is still the individual one “… I will seek out My sheep …”
Our focus shall well be on huge groups of humanity, but let us concentrate, even also among the living on the one and only scattered on a cloudy and dark day” We are called to proclaim His word and show His love to all.