The Funeral Procession
Funeral's are not something I enjoy, I have only been to a few and often feel very uncomfortable especially when I don't know the individual or family that well. Trying to say the right thing and respond the right way in a situation like this does not come easy. There have been a few funerals I enjoyed because they were conducted as a celebration. The family celebrated the life of the departed, knowing their life had not ended but passed from one world to the next.
How someone dies greatly determines the atmosphere of the funeral. When who one is not assured of another's salvation or where death comes tragically a very sorrowful experience follows. Now when one dies obviously knowing the Lord in a gracious manner, it is more likely that the funeral will have a joyous atmosphere. Of course, the outlook of individuals plays a big part, whether one has a eternal or temporary perspective.
Jesus while dying in a tragic and gruesome manner, shouted, "Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!" He died knowing He accomplished His Father's will. Pain is still pain but when one is dying without regret there is a big difference. During funeral viewing's I have observed a major difference. Those without regret have a peace on their face, like they are glowing, while those who have regret and a fear of dying don't.
Jesus death was dramatic, their was darkness until 3pm, the earth quaked, causing the curtain of the temple to be torn down the middle, signifying that Christ death has brought forgiveness of our sins and direct access to the Father, for those who accept His sacrifice. Many of those at hand believed and were now greatly sorrowful. Greatness is often seen after someone's death more than even before, they leave a lasting impact. Jesus death brought transforming power that He could never give in His earthly frame.
Have you ever not appreciated someone until they were gone? We recently had an amazing matriarch at our church pass away and hearing her grandchildren speak at the funeral I was so touched by the words they shared. I would have loved to know her more closely while she was alive.
Upon Jesus dying, the crowd and even some of the Roman soldiers left in deep remorse for they realized they witnessed the crucifixion of the Son of God. Not knowing the purpose of Him dying they must have felt like dying themselves. Many of them probably gave their life to Jesus after the Resurrection when the Gospel was preached.
We need to appreciate Jesus, He is alive, so let's be in fellowship with Him daily and follow His every command.
Though Jesus had been rejected by His disciples, an unlikely person, Joseph a member of the Jewish high counsel who disagreed with Jesus being put to death, chose to assure that Jesus have a proper burial.
People make a big deal about funeral arrangements which are very expensive, as I recently experienced dealing with my Mother's death. I for one see life on earth as a temporary moment compared to eternity, one does not die, but just moves on to a different place. Just like car's need to be replaced after awhile so do the bodies that we live in. So why invest so greatly in something that can only be enjoyed for so long before it is gone? I don't want to invest in my death and I don't want to leave a great expense for my family. I want my funeral to be simple, inexpensive and just a celebration of my life on earth and of Heaven where I will reside.
In Luke 24:1-12, Jesus tomb was found rolled aside, His body missing, and as the Angels declared, He had resurrected from the dead, just as He promised.
Death was swallowed up defeated by the perfect sacrifice. Believer should no longer look at death with fear but with hope of a better place, where we are made perfect, and can fully enjoy our Lord and Savior forevermore. So when a believer dies, yes sadness will follow, and we will miss our loved one, but it only is for a short moment, for we will be united together again, so the funeral procession should be with celebration because of the hope we have through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
How someone dies greatly determines the atmosphere of the funeral. When who one is not assured of another's salvation or where death comes tragically a very sorrowful experience follows. Now when one dies obviously knowing the Lord in a gracious manner, it is more likely that the funeral will have a joyous atmosphere. Of course, the outlook of individuals plays a big part, whether one has a eternal or temporary perspective.
Jesus while dying in a tragic and gruesome manner, shouted, "Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!" He died knowing He accomplished His Father's will. Pain is still pain but when one is dying without regret there is a big difference. During funeral viewing's I have observed a major difference. Those without regret have a peace on their face, like they are glowing, while those who have regret and a fear of dying don't.
Jesus death was dramatic, their was darkness until 3pm, the earth quaked, causing the curtain of the temple to be torn down the middle, signifying that Christ death has brought forgiveness of our sins and direct access to the Father, for those who accept His sacrifice. Many of those at hand believed and were now greatly sorrowful. Greatness is often seen after someone's death more than even before, they leave a lasting impact. Jesus death brought transforming power that He could never give in His earthly frame.
Have you ever not appreciated someone until they were gone? We recently had an amazing matriarch at our church pass away and hearing her grandchildren speak at the funeral I was so touched by the words they shared. I would have loved to know her more closely while she was alive.
Upon Jesus dying, the crowd and even some of the Roman soldiers left in deep remorse for they realized they witnessed the crucifixion of the Son of God. Not knowing the purpose of Him dying they must have felt like dying themselves. Many of them probably gave their life to Jesus after the Resurrection when the Gospel was preached.
We need to appreciate Jesus, He is alive, so let's be in fellowship with Him daily and follow His every command.
Though Jesus had been rejected by His disciples, an unlikely person, Joseph a member of the Jewish high counsel who disagreed with Jesus being put to death, chose to assure that Jesus have a proper burial.
People make a big deal about funeral arrangements which are very expensive, as I recently experienced dealing with my Mother's death. I for one see life on earth as a temporary moment compared to eternity, one does not die, but just moves on to a different place. Just like car's need to be replaced after awhile so do the bodies that we live in. So why invest so greatly in something that can only be enjoyed for so long before it is gone? I don't want to invest in my death and I don't want to leave a great expense for my family. I want my funeral to be simple, inexpensive and just a celebration of my life on earth and of Heaven where I will reside.
In Luke 24:1-12, Jesus tomb was found rolled aside, His body missing, and as the Angels declared, He had resurrected from the dead, just as He promised.
Death was swallowed up defeated by the perfect sacrifice. Believer should no longer look at death with fear but with hope of a better place, where we are made perfect, and can fully enjoy our Lord and Savior forevermore. So when a believer dies, yes sadness will follow, and we will miss our loved one, but it only is for a short moment, for we will be united together again, so the funeral procession should be with celebration because of the hope we have through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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