"Only a few years are left before I set out on the road of no return." Job 16:22 (MSG)
I attended a funeral yesterday. Carl was a great ol' soul. His son was my youth pastor. He and his wife were chaperones for our youth choir when I was in high school. Carl had the wisdom of Job and the humor of Mark Twain. I remember his eyes would sparkle as he laughed.
As I sat with my parents and listened to Carl's family and friends step forward to share their thoughts and memories, I looked at the flag draped casket. A few weeks ago, one of the pastors at my church preached his sermon laying inside a casket (don't worry, the lid was open). It was part of a series of sermons on living with the end in mind, and it effectively made the point. We all, as Job said, will take the road of no return. It's worth considering where that road leads.
Carl's family were laughing through their tears yesterday. Carl knew Jesus. Carl walked the path with Jesus. He knew where the road of no return was leading him. His family knew, too. His funeral was not a farewell but a "see ya later."
My funeral will be, too.
How about yours?
Creative Commons photo courtesy of Flickr and touring cyclist
There must be Someone in heaven who knows the truth about me,
in highest heaven, some Attorney who can clear my name—
My comfort is this…..that no matter what the world serves up my Attorney in heaven knows my heart and my love for Him. It takes some of the pressure off me. Thank-you Jesus!