The Wilkes Team

So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory (1Cor. 15:54).

This past week our family attended the funeral for the Grandfather of some dear friends. Driving to the funeral home on that cool, drizzly morning, Dad guided our focus to the impact a funeral should have upon us who remain. While we sorrow over the loss of a dear one, there ought also to be a joy. A joy because this dear brother in Christ stands now before the presence of our Risen Savior (2Cor. 5:8).

One day in the not too distant future each of us will close our eyes one final time. The last breath will be drawn, the heart will cease beating once and for all, and we who have come to the Father through Christ (Jn 14:6) "shall be ever be with the Lord (1Thes.4:17b)."

Funerals should put us in mind to live each day as if it is our last, Awaiting the return of Christ (Luke 24:49). Furthermore, they help us realize how encumbered we often become with circumstances that matter little in light of eternity. Those little annoyances we encounter, trials we face, and sorrows we feel, shall all vanish when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, this mortal on immortality, and death is swallowed up in glorious victory. Praise His Name!

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Ps.116:15

One question Dad asked us on our way to the funeral that morning was what hymn we would want sung/played at our funeral one day. What would you choose?

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 at 7:42 pm and is filed under Family News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Dad | April 1st, 2009 at 2:03 pm

Joshua, Thank you for writing on this. It is so exciting to be reminded so poignantly of our ultimate promotion. O death where is thy sting..To live is Christ, to die is gain Going to funerals helps me look forward to that day when my faith will become sight. Until then we who are Christs have been given the grace to accomplish the purpose God has ordained for each one of us. We must not be weary in well doing nor faint in the day of adversity for the Lord is not slack regarding His promises. What an exciting thing it is to be in the service of the King.

Jenny | April 3rd, 2009 at 12:59 pm

As hard as death is. It is a good thing to walk through and learn how to respond correctly to it.
I was very blessed that day. It also reminds me how precious time is. My prayer is that we as Christians would see the need to redeem the time that the Lord has given us and do all we can to bring him honor and glory.

Joshua | April 3rd, 2009 at 1:46 pm

Excellent comments Dad & Jennifer! Thank you for the reminder not to weary in well doing and to take heed to redeem the time – timely truths in such applicable times.

By the way, what hymn would you choose to be played at your funeral? I remember D.James Kennedy saying that he desired (and ended up having) the Hallelujah Chorus sung at his funeral. This is the song I would choose – for what a glorious day that will be when, as you quoted Dad, my faith will become sight – Hallelujah!

Amanda | April 6th, 2009 at 7:25 am

Very thought provoking! We need these reminders – thank you!

Michael Staddon | April 7th, 2009 at 11:52 am

I was just about to post a comment and yours popped in there Amanda. I agree. I was very refreshed by the eternal focus. Thank you Joshua. Hmmm, “Faith is the Victory” comes to mind right off. I think many songs would take on a much deeper meaning when sung in the context of a funeral, like “Come ye Thankful People Come”. “For All the Saints” might be another pick – it has a Alleluia chorus too! I think I would pick songs to motivate people to forget about worldly pursuits and focus on the true riches (1 Peter 1:3-9).