Epistle: 2 Timothy 4:6-8
6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
There was a time back in my previous call that I officiated at three funerals. All faithful saints over 90 years old.
Two of these funerals were for a husband and wife who died just 19 days apart. It had only been three months or so before this that their daughter died as well.
As song we often share at funerals is Amazing Grace. How appropriate to share this beautiful hymn when we realize that there is nothing we can do to avoid death but trust in God and the promises God has given us.
When you were baptized, the sign of the cross was placed on your brow, and you received the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. Marked with the cross of Christ and sealed with the Holy Spirit forever. And NO ONE, no one can take that away.
God named and claimed YOU as his own. At the font, God said “YOU belong to me. I will hold you in the palm of my hand and will never let her go.” This is the promise God made that day, and God always keep his promises!
That is what Grace is. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see. Grace is a gift – unconditional, pure and true – a gift from God. God is LOVE, and gives us the gift of love, and the ability TO love.
You received this gift from God.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, death is NOT the final word. Because of Jesus, God has the final word. That word is LIFE.
Let us pray: Thank you, God, for your amazing grace. Bless those who have died. May they rest in peace and rise in your glory. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen
6 As for me, I am already being poured out as a libation, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
There was a time back in my previous call that I officiated at three funerals. All faithful saints over 90 years old.
Two of these funerals were for a husband and wife who died just 19 days apart. It had only been three months or so before this that their daughter died as well.
As song we often share at funerals is Amazing Grace. How appropriate to share this beautiful hymn when we realize that there is nothing we can do to avoid death but trust in God and the promises God has given us.
When you were baptized, the sign of the cross was placed on your brow, and you received the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. Marked with the cross of Christ and sealed with the Holy Spirit forever. And NO ONE, no one can take that away.
God named and claimed YOU as his own. At the font, God said “YOU belong to me. I will hold you in the palm of my hand and will never let her go.” This is the promise God made that day, and God always keep his promises!
That is what Grace is. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see. Grace is a gift – unconditional, pure and true – a gift from God. God is LOVE, and gives us the gift of love, and the ability TO love.
You received this gift from God.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, death is NOT the final word. Because of Jesus, God has the final word. That word is LIFE.
Let us pray: Thank you, God, for your amazing grace. Bless those who have died. May they rest in peace and rise in your glory. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen