Funerals

We have just come through a weekend of funerals, memorial services to honor and remember those who have gone before us.

We began with the life of a 72-year-old man who had lived a full and eventful life. He chose to embrace adventure and learning, and he left a legacy of stories that will long be remembered by his children and grandchildren. Having traveled the world, his escapades were many and varied. The memorial service focused on thanksgiving and praise to God for the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, and memories were shared with laughter.

Our next funeral was a celebration of the life of a one-year-old girl who was born with a congenital heart defect. Though her life was short by the world’s standards, God used this little child and her family to impact people across our nation. The church was filled with people who had prayed for her and people who were touched by the faith of this family. Grief was real and present, but it was undergirded by an amazing current of faith and joy.

The commonality between these services, though they were of different denominations and for people of vastly different ages, was the evidence of faith in the grace and sovereignty of God. The reality in both services was that death is real and certain.

We meander through this life focused on trivialities and daily activities, and we are often shocked when faced with the reality of death. However, truths exist that must be acknowledged if we are to encounter life with honesty.

• Death is certain for all people.

• We will face God when we die.

• God has prepared a way to Heaven for us. This way is through trust in His Son, Jesus.

• There is no other way.

• We make the choice about God while we are living.

• We face the consequences of our choice when we die.

• Life lived knowing God is an awesome adventure and gives fulfillment and joy.

• Knowing God leaves no regrets.

• Faith in God will see us through the darkest times and hours in life.

For the believer in Christ, death is the entrance to eternal life with Him. While we love and enjoy this life, we look forward to the fulfillment of our faith when He carries us home. However, this amazing and wonderful truth does not cancel the fact that those who reject God’s mercy in Jesus Christ will enter death facing eternal judgment.

So, today I rejoice in the grace of my Father as I remain burdened for those who do not know my Savior. He stands with open arms to receive all who will come to Him. If you do not know Him, please trust Him today.

John 14:6 ⁶ Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Acts 16:³⁰ And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? ³¹ And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

Romans 10: ¹³ For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Photo – Amazing Grace, Beth Mims