The Predictables Of Life In The Midst Of Death
Sermon
Best Funeral Meditations
for a nominal church member
James W. Robinson
Life is an unpredictable affair. Our highest hopes, most cherished dreams, our fondest ambitions, our best laid plans may be shattered and scattered by the changing tides of tomorrow. Tomorrow's tides may end a friendship, break up a love affair, or sweep the person dearest to us through the doors of death. Who knows? Tomorrow may be your last day on earth. Or mine.
It would be easy for us to become pessimistic and cynical because of life's unpredictables, if it were not for the fact that life holds some great certainties, too. When tomorrow tumbles down upon our heads and threatens to crush us, the great certainties of life enable us to survive disaster. They help us not merely to survive; they make us better and stronger persons. Let me mention just two of the things of which we may be certain in time of trouble.
The first of these certainties is this: When trouble comes we always discover that there is a multitude of those who care, composed of people who are touched by our tragedy and want to do all they can to be of help.
A flood covers most of nearby Bound Brook. A group of children stop curious spectators driving by in their cars, ask them for money to help flood victims, and, as a result, a massive community relief drive is started.
A house is levelled by fire. A family is left without food, shelter, and clothing. Neighbors pitch in to help, the newspapers pick up the story, and soon the family is back on its feet, thanks to many who really cared.
Death carries off someone we love. It happens unexpectedly. One day he is alive, sitting under a grape arbor, talking about his plans for tomorrow. That night, he is called by his Maker.
First we are stunned; shock deadens the blow. Then the anesthesia of shock wears off and we begin to feel the awful hurt and heartache of bereavement. We would fall apart if it were not for the presence of those who care: mother, dad, children, sisters, brothers, friends, neighbors. They come quickly to take us in their arms and breathe comfort in our ears. Remember, too, that there are many people whom we do not even know - strangers - who read or hear of our bereavement and lift prayers to God in our behalf.
God is the second certainty I wish to mention. We may be sure of this: We are never out of sight or reach of One who loves us with a love that tongue nor pen can ever tell.
I am reminded of a chorus we used to sing at a summer church camp:
Wide, wide as the ocean, High as the heavens above,
Deep, deep as the deepest sea, Is my Savior's love.
I, though so unworthy, Still am a child of his care,
For his Word teaches me That his love reaches me, everywhere.
Let me assure you of this about God's love. I am speaking now chiefly for those closest to Harry.
* God will see you through these first difficult days of Harry's departure.
* God will help erase from your mind all but the best memories of the days you shared together.
* God will remove the cutting edge of grief and help you bear the dull pain of your loss, although it will never leave you completely.
* God will substitute his presence for Harry's until you meet him again.
* God wants to use this time of distress to bring Harry's family closer than they have ever been before.
* God has provided for life to go on in a Land of Never--Ending Light that lies beyond the valley of the shadow of death.
In that land of Eternal Light, relationships that were interrupted by death will be restored. Families will be reunited, differences will be patched up, and they will live together in perfect love and peace. They will know unbroken happiness and joy, because former pain and tears will have passed away forever.
Believing this, we may in confidence say, "Lord, into thy hands we commend the spirit of Harry."
Lord, take our hand, and help us to live in such a way that one day we may deserve to step into a blessed eternity, too.
(Reprinted from "The Beauty Of Being Prepared," by James W. Robinson, CSS Publishing Company., Inc., (c) 1982.)
James W. Robinson
Life is an unpredictable affair. Our highest hopes, most cherished dreams, our fondest ambitions, our best laid plans may be shattered and scattered by the changing tides of tomorrow. Tomorrow's tides may end a friendship, break up a love affair, or sweep the person dearest to us through the doors of death. Who knows? Tomorrow may be your last day on earth. Or mine.
It would be easy for us to become pessimistic and cynical because of life's unpredictables, if it were not for the fact that life holds some great certainties, too. When tomorrow tumbles down upon our heads and threatens to crush us, the great certainties of life enable us to survive disaster. They help us not merely to survive; they make us better and stronger persons. Let me mention just two of the things of which we may be certain in time of trouble.
The first of these certainties is this: When trouble comes we always discover that there is a multitude of those who care, composed of people who are touched by our tragedy and want to do all they can to be of help.
A flood covers most of nearby Bound Brook. A group of children stop curious spectators driving by in their cars, ask them for money to help flood victims, and, as a result, a massive community relief drive is started.
A house is levelled by fire. A family is left without food, shelter, and clothing. Neighbors pitch in to help, the newspapers pick up the story, and soon the family is back on its feet, thanks to many who really cared.
Death carries off someone we love. It happens unexpectedly. One day he is alive, sitting under a grape arbor, talking about his plans for tomorrow. That night, he is called by his Maker.
First we are stunned; shock deadens the blow. Then the anesthesia of shock wears off and we begin to feel the awful hurt and heartache of bereavement. We would fall apart if it were not for the presence of those who care: mother, dad, children, sisters, brothers, friends, neighbors. They come quickly to take us in their arms and breathe comfort in our ears. Remember, too, that there are many people whom we do not even know - strangers - who read or hear of our bereavement and lift prayers to God in our behalf.
God is the second certainty I wish to mention. We may be sure of this: We are never out of sight or reach of One who loves us with a love that tongue nor pen can ever tell.
I am reminded of a chorus we used to sing at a summer church camp:
Wide, wide as the ocean, High as the heavens above,
Deep, deep as the deepest sea, Is my Savior's love.
I, though so unworthy, Still am a child of his care,
For his Word teaches me That his love reaches me, everywhere.
Let me assure you of this about God's love. I am speaking now chiefly for those closest to Harry.
* God will see you through these first difficult days of Harry's departure.
* God will help erase from your mind all but the best memories of the days you shared together.
* God will remove the cutting edge of grief and help you bear the dull pain of your loss, although it will never leave you completely.
* God will substitute his presence for Harry's until you meet him again.
* God wants to use this time of distress to bring Harry's family closer than they have ever been before.
* God has provided for life to go on in a Land of Never--Ending Light that lies beyond the valley of the shadow of death.
In that land of Eternal Light, relationships that were interrupted by death will be restored. Families will be reunited, differences will be patched up, and they will live together in perfect love and peace. They will know unbroken happiness and joy, because former pain and tears will have passed away forever.
Believing this, we may in confidence say, "Lord, into thy hands we commend the spirit of Harry."
Lord, take our hand, and help us to live in such a way that one day we may deserve to step into a blessed eternity, too.
(Reprinted from "The Beauty Of Being Prepared," by James W. Robinson, CSS Publishing Company., Inc., (c) 1982.)
