“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25)
“We’d rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.” (2Cor.5:8)
Lord Jesus, thank you for coming into our world to be our great and gracious Savior. By your life, death, and resurrection—you accomplished SO much, and at your return you will finish making all things new. On this October Saturday, we praise you for your commitment to destroy death. You’ve already removed its sting, and will eradicate every smell, semblance, and sorrow of death at your return (Rev.21:1-5).
This is such fresh, sweet news to me today as I preach to preach my Aunt Cynthia’s funeral in just a few hours. Of her 94 years of life in this world, her last 15 were lived most fully alive to your beauty, grace, and love, Jesus. I’ve never seen someone so utterly smitten with and transformed by the riches of the Gospel from age 79 to 94. And now, being absent from her frail body she has never been more alive. Aunt Cynthia knows Paul wasn’t exaggerating when he said departing this world to be with you is “better by far” (Phil.1:23)—beyond all we can ask, think, or imagine.
What a sure hope we have. What a glorious Gospel we celebrate. What a blessed Savior you are! Death isn’t sovereign, you are, Jesus. Sin didn’t triumph; you did. You are the grave robber and grace giver. You took our judgment and gave us your righteousness; we receive your love and give you our praise. Hallelujah, 10,000 times over, Lord Jesus. So Very Amen.