Saturday, May 20, 2006
In sure and certain hope
Yesterday I took the funeral of a friend we had known for nearly twenty years, a member of our church who battled with cancer for over 40 years due to a genetic predisposition. Her suffering now over it was a joy to preach from John 11 on our sure and certain hope of resurrection from the dead when we trust in the One who said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. ” Preaching such a message was not difficult but controlling my voice when I read the verses of comfort at the start of the funeral and also at the crematorium was a problem for me. Jesus wept at Lazarus tomb so weeping at funerals is not a concern, except when I am trying to lead the service and my voice is going. Professional detachment I have not, nor stiff upper lip. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted...For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes....There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Sure and certain hope indeed.
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2 comments:
Three weeks ago I buried my beloved wife. She died with her trust in the Lord. She too died from cancer and spent a long three years dying. The minister conducting the funeral service afterwards said he had never experienced such an uplifting service. "So full of hope." I am sorrowing as you obviously are. We are not told not to sorrow, but rather not to sorrow as those who have no hope. God bless
May our God of resurrection hope, comfort and strengthen you.
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