God’s Unmoveable Love, and Thoughts on Death

Well, here are the sermon notes from yesterday’s sermon:

Never Fear, God is Near!

It’s an old message. One of the very first I ever did. But I felt like God would have me to polish it up and share it. God blessed us and helped me to communicate clearly. I think several were encouraged by the message. It’s simple, but profound truth.

Also yesterday I went to the funeral of an elderly woman in our church, Mrs. Beck. I was also asked to read a verse or two at the graveside, and say a prayer. That was a new experience for me. God gave me the verses to share (from John 10:27 basically) on Friday morning. (Or maybe it was Saturday.) But I got to the funeral home, and just as I was thinking about where to sit, the funeral home director came up to me and said “Jarod,” and I’d never met him before so it was strange to hear a stranger use my name, “I’ve got a seat reserved for you with the other ministers, that way I know right where you are when I need you.”  Woa! Cool! A reserved seat! I felt like looking at my friends and giving a “hey, check it out” look. Also, about that time I was wishing I’d wore my black suit rather than khaki and blue. Because that reserved seat……was right at the front of the chapel. Lots of people were there, and I was right out in front. You would think that I’d be used to that by now, having been the “guy out front” plenty in my life. But never at a funeral had I held such responsibility, and never in front of so many people. And I wasn’t expecting to be out front until the graveside.

So the funeral was nice, and then we headed out to the graveside. We got there and it started raining. I was a little nervous, mostly because I’d never done this before. But I was also honored to be included, because Mrs. Beck was a dear lady, and a friend. I said some words about her hearing the voice of her Shepherd, and following him. She heard him call her to salvation, and she responded then. She heard him call her to Heaven, and she responded to that call also, and simply followed him into eternity. Then I prayed. It was a very nice funeral, and everything went well. I’ll miss her but I’m happy for her. (I’m almost, that’s almost, jealous.)

The family took it well, with joy in their sorrow, and even relief for her that she doesn’t have to suffer any more. (She had been having health problems for several years before her death.) There was much hope and joy (almost celebration) when ever I interacted with them. It really presented a contrast to me, because my neighbor lady also lost her sister (who lived with her for many years) just about a week before Mrs. Beck died. My neighbor has really been distraught over it, and she has actually moved. She said she couldn’t sleep since her sister died, and it’s so hard for her to be there that she had to move.  It seemed so much more sad, without much hope. Tragic. I don’t think my neighbor is a Christian. I really saw the difference these past couple weeks between how Believers and non-believers deal with death.

I’m glad that we have hope in Christ, and that even death has no victory! Not even death can separate us from the Love of Christ. Amen!