Yesterday my family gathered to bury my dad at the Veterans’ Cemetery in Medical Lake, Washington. It was a beautiful day, the sky was large and blue. Just the kind of day my dad loved. My husband conducted the service and gave the homily, which I invite you to read here. Our son Nate delivered the eulogy, which you can read here. God gave us a sweet time of rejoicing together.
This morning I read Spurgeon’s entry for June 29 (from Morning and Evening) and the text was 1 Thess. 4:14. “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.” Spurgeon explains that though their bodies sleep, their souls are “before the throne of God, praising Him day and night in His temple, singing hallelujahs to Him who washed them from their sins in His blood.” And at the resurrection on that final day… “what an awaking shall be theirs!”
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So sorry for you loss. Rejoicing for heaven’s gain.
I also read Spurgeon’s entry for today, and found ti quite timely for my life as well. I love the image he gives of death as the taking off the clothes of this world in preparation to dress in the wedding garment of incorruption. Although times as these are hard, we who are in Christ have hope and much to rejoice in. Thank you for the reminder.
It is refreshing as usual to read your attitude through life’s easy and hard times as equally peerless. God be with you and your family during these fresh moments of your father’s loss.
With love,
Leia
Today at church we sang all 7 verses of “All Creatures of Our God and King” for the processional. At verses 5 and 6 I don’t believe there was a dry eye in the congregation and verse 7 was sung very triumphantly. May you find comfort, peace, and joy in these words as well.
All ye who are of tender heart,
forgiving others, take your part,
O praise ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
praise God and on him cast your care!
O praise ye! O praise ye!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
And thou, our sister, gentle death,
waiting to hush our latest breath,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou leadest home the child of God,
and Christ our Lord the way has trod,
O praise ye! O praise ye!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Let all things their Creator bless,
and worship him in humbleness,
O praise ye! Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son,
and praise the Spirit, Three in One!
O praise ye! O praise ye!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Nancy,
We are praying for your continued comfort.
Much love in Christ from all the Orrs!
Kelly