A little boy was trying to get to sleep but was frightened. He shouted down from the bedroom, ‘Dad, it’s dark up here and I’m scared.’ His father shouted back, ‘Don’t be afraid. God is with you.’ After a few second’s pause, the boy yelled again: ‘Get up here, Dad – I need somebody with skin on!’ Ronald Rolheiser in his book The Holy Longing talks about the need for a God who has skin, that is, who is physically real and touchable. He says: ‘Physicality is important in any relationship and especially in the most important of relationships.’

Paul reminds us that as we experience Jesus through our troubles we become Jesus with skin on. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement),⁴ Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God.⁵ For just as Christ’s [^[a]own] sufferings fall to our lot ^[b][as they overflow upon His disciples, and we share and experience them] abundantly, so through Christ comfort (consolation and encouragement) is also [shared and experienced] abundantly by us.⁶ But if we are troubled (afflicted and distressed), it is for your comfort (consolation and encouragement) and [for your] salvation; and if we are comforted (consoled and encouraged), it is for your comfort (consolation and encouragement), which works [in you] when you patiently endure the same evils (misfortunes and calamities) that we also suffer and undergo.⁷ And our hope for you [our joyful and confident expectation of good for you] is ever unwavering (assured and unshaken); for we know that just as you share and are partners in [our] sufferings and calamities, you also share and are partners in [our] comfort (consolation and encouragement).

Personally, I have lost grandparents, uncles, aunts, and dear friends to the “shadow” of death. I have pastored for over thirty plus years but I really couldn’t understand what it was like to lose a sibling – until now. I am just beginning the journey of navigating the difficulty of walking with Jesus through her loss and I am so grateful for “Jesus with skin on” represented in those within our church family. Through your hugs, cards, tears, prayers, and generosity walking through these times has been a little less difficult. Nothing could have prepared me for what I am experiencing, and I have experienced a gambit of emotions: shock, unbelief, anger, denial, and sadness. Well meaning people have attempted to make my pain disappear stating, She is in a better place – which I am truly comforted by. Yet, I have reached the conclusion that if it was Ok for Jesus, the Son of God, to weep over the loss of His friend Lazarus, it’s ok for me to weep over the loss of my sister. Will I see her again? Yes! Is she in a better place? Absolutely! But guess what? It’s going to be awhile before I see her again. Until then I’m going to miss her. The good news is that Jesus never wastes a thing. Through this process I am being equipped to be there emotionally for those who are going through similar circumstances. I am a lot more reluctant to offer any platitudes. If any thing I am learning about the ministry of presence. (No words needed). Pauls’ comforting words remind us that all the difficult circumstances you have overcome through the Presence of Jesus has really empowered you to be Jesus with skin on for those who have yet to go through those trials. Truth be known you actually have the authority to help others gain authority over similar situations. Now, that is pretty powerful. In the midst of it all you and I are becoming more like Jesus, and are becoming better acquainted with Paul’s words: I want to know Jesus and the fellowship of His sufferings.