Hope in Death
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. I Thessalonians 4:13-14
Dan & I went to a funeral today of a dear lady who passed away this week from cancer. Dan did not do the funeral so he was able to just sit and observe. Normally, he does many funerals for people who do not have a church. The majority of these funerals have been for people who do not know the Lord as their personal Savior.
What a difference today was! This woman loved the Lord with her whole heart. She knew where she was going and was looking forward to it. Even up to the end when she was in utter pain, she showed such faith and strength. She will be missed and her family and friends are sad but today's funeral was more of a worship service than anything else.
Those who know Jesus can have assurance that we will be with him in glory. The pastor made a comment that struck home with me. Eleanor is living today and we are the ones who are dying! Her body is dead but she is alive with Christ.
He also made a point that knowing Jesus is not just head knowledge. Even the demons believe and shudder. It's knowledge that makes you step out in faith to follow him and there is no turning back. Your life changes as a result of belief in Christ.
In a strange way, I came away from this funeral exhilerated. Most of the funerals I've sat through are for people who did not know the Lord and their families have no hope.
It is a blessing to know that one day we will see those who die in Christ once again. What a joyous reunion that will be!
Dan & I went to a funeral today of a dear lady who passed away this week from cancer. Dan did not do the funeral so he was able to just sit and observe. Normally, he does many funerals for people who do not have a church. The majority of these funerals have been for people who do not know the Lord as their personal Savior.
What a difference today was! This woman loved the Lord with her whole heart. She knew where she was going and was looking forward to it. Even up to the end when she was in utter pain, she showed such faith and strength. She will be missed and her family and friends are sad but today's funeral was more of a worship service than anything else.
Those who know Jesus can have assurance that we will be with him in glory. The pastor made a comment that struck home with me. Eleanor is living today and we are the ones who are dying! Her body is dead but she is alive with Christ.
He also made a point that knowing Jesus is not just head knowledge. Even the demons believe and shudder. It's knowledge that makes you step out in faith to follow him and there is no turning back. Your life changes as a result of belief in Christ.
In a strange way, I came away from this funeral exhilerated. Most of the funerals I've sat through are for people who did not know the Lord and their families have no hope.
It is a blessing to know that one day we will see those who die in Christ once again. What a joyous reunion that will be!
Thank you for sharing this Terri, how wonderful it is when you know that the person who has died is now
ReplyDeletewith the Lord. The comments the Pastor made were awesome.
Love, Tina :)
Terri, I agree! I have been to funerals of those who loved the Lord that seemed such a celebration instead of a sad time!
ReplyDeleteLeah
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/lcourtneymom
Terri, Praise the Lord that this lady is more alive than any of us who dwell on this earth! God is so good and He is worthy of all our Praise!! Thanks for these words of truth!!!
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