On Sunday afternoon, my grandmother (known to us all as Maw Maw Sadie) passed away. Yesterday was her funeral and it was an amazing family celebration of her life and her going home to be with the Lord. Several months ago, she personally asked me to speak at her funeral and I was more than honored to do so. Below is the conclusion of what I said...
And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
You see, I know that the ground we lay my Maw Maw in today better not get too comfortable. This casket better not think it’s going to lie in that grave forever. Because one day real soon, that dirt is going to blow open. And this casket’s going to look like a bomb went off on it. Because the power that raised Jesus from the grave will do the same thing to my Maw Maw. She will be raised up. Her body will join with her spirit - a body that has been redeemed and recreated and renewed.
So today, this family does not grieve like a family that has no hope. Because today we know some things. We know that Sadie Lovell fought the fight. We know that she finished her race. And we know today, because of Jesus, she has her crown of life.
So until the reunion, comfort one another with these things that we know.
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2 comments:
Jason, I am so sorry. Maw maw was very special. I love you guys so much!
Jason you have been a huge inspiration on me just now. My friends brother died and I haven't had the slightest clue what on earth to say or do, and now I am going to point him to your blog, so thank you. I am sorry for your loss, and I know you of all people will be strong.
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