Death and life is set before you. We can choose life even in the midst of the valley of the shadow of death. Because we have attended three funerals of saints of God who were friends of ours in the past two weeks, many reflective thoughts are racing through my heart and mind. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Why is it precious? The obvious reason is that He longs for us to share His love and glory forever with Him. Perhaps it is also because it is a holy time of reflection, past, present, and future.
Past, because we tend to reflect on all the special times and ways this person has impacted our lives. We note the characteristics that made this person unique. Maybe most important, we have the open opportunity to remember the good and forgive and forget the shortcomings. It is a time to let go of hurt and disappointments, and instead choose to give thanks for the blessing the person was in our lives. God's comfort is real and yet it may take some time to let the hope of resurrection overcome our grief and loss. God even gave the Israelites 30 days to make this heart adjustment with the death of Moses.
Present, because it is a special time where people pause for a moment in their normal routine to show respect for the value of the life of the person who passed. We also tend to "be there" for others in order to extend comfort and support at this time of loss. Family and friends can unite in an atmosphere of love and acceptance with a genuine concern for each other. Peace overcomes striving and petty differences. God blesses unity, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity."
Future, because most people are confronted with the fact that death is a reality, and the need to consider what will happen to them when their time comes. Often God awakens even worldly people to look at what is the purpose of life. This "special" time is precious to God as people humbly take inventory of their own lives and their relationship with God and others. At a recent funeral service, it was my privilege to review Romans 10 and how to accept Jesus's death and resurrection for our sins, and then lead those who wanted to confess Jesus as Lord in a simple prayer. Only God knows the hearts of those who used this precious milestone to give their life to Jesus or to renew their commitment to Him. Nothing on earth is more precious than coming to know Jesus.
A simple prayer based on Romans 10. "Thank you, Jesus, for loving me and dying for my sins. I believe you rose from the dead, having paid the total price for my offences. Because you love me that much and willingly gave your life for me, I willingly choose to confess with my lips, that you, Jesus, are my Lord. I repent of living my way and choose to set my heart to love and follow You as Lord by keeping Your Word." God promises anyone who believes in his heart Jesus was raised from the dead and confesses with his lips, the Lord Jesus, will be saved.
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