I attended a funeral at our church on Wednesday. (8/10/16) One of our Deacons, John, lost his mom to cancer. Maria, a member of Red Mills Baptist Church, was a beautiful Saint who always had a smile on her face, even with a disheartening diagnosis of cancer some months ago.
This was my first "True" Christian Funeral, and I am still overwhelmed by the dignity in mourning, not as the world mourns over the death of a saint.
(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
Pastor James Harrison's Biblical and Gospel-centered remarks and sermon not only honored Maria, but the One True God Who gives, sustains, saves, and ultimately ends the Earthly life of all human beings, for His Glory.
Deacon John spoke with heartfelt emotion and loving eloquence about his mother's very full and well-lived life. He wanted to find a way to say "Goodbye" to his mother. But, when a Saint dies, they may leave us and this Earth, but they are not gone. Those of us who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and His resurrection will meet again in Heaven. Maria had encountered the true meaning of life, and real joy when she became a Christian several years ago. She found her identity in Jesus Christ through repentance and faith in Him alone.
She saw the change in her son John after he became a follower of Christ sometime before, and she wanted Jesus to save her too. And He did! There is no goodbye, only see you later.
She was baptized by Pastor Harrison in the very same sanctuary where her coffin was positioned for the funeral service. What beautiful imagery, a coffin reposing near the position where the deceased had once entered the waters of Baptism, to publicly proclaim her faith, and identify herself with the life, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It was simply amazing, like no other funeral I ever attended.
Pastor Harrison became even more profound to me that day. He is someone I truly want to emulate, and follow as he follows Jesus Christ.
