By Gerold McBride
I preached my first sermon over sixty years ago. During those years I have had the privilege of conducting many funerals. These funerals were for people of all ages. The circumstances leading to their death varied. Some deaths were caused by disease, some by accident, and some by suicide. Each was unique, each was different in their spirituality, each was different in how they used their time here on earth. Each was different in how they faced their own death. But one thing was the same for all of the funerals I conducted, each and every one of them had people in attendance.
People attending funerals were there for different reasons. Some came because they cared for the deceased, some were there, not because they knew the deceased, but because they wanted to show concern for the people who did know and care for the deceased.
For the few who believe that no one cares for them, and for those who believe that the world would be better off without them, let me say that I have never heard of a funeral where there was no one in attendance. In every funeral I am aware of, someone was caring enough to be there and to pay their respects.
Because all of us will someday leave this life and face judgment (see Hebrews 9:27) it is important to know who will judge us and to know what He thinks of us. In 2 Peter 3:9 the apostle tells us “The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.” And in the gospel of John we are told “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, CSB) King David wrote, “When I observe Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You set in place, what is man that You remember him, the son of man that You look after him? You made him little less than God and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him lord over the works of Your hands; You put everything under his feet: all the sheep and oxen, as well as animals in the wild, birds of the sky, and fish of the sea passing through the currents of the sea.” (Psalm 8:3-8, CSB)
There can be no doubt, God loves us. He is just, but He loves us and asks that we love Him. When asked what is the most important commandment, Jesus gave this reply, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments. (Matthew 22:37-40 CSB)
You are important to God and to others. Know that you are of value, so much so that Jesus died to pay for your sins.
Rev. Gerold McBride is pastor of Lithium Baptist Church in Perry County. He may be reached by email at geroldmcbride@gmail.com or by phone at 573-547-8954.
