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"I thought that when this day came, I would be a blubbering mess. But it's amazing the ways that God can change your heart and your understanding of why death happens. I will be reading what I have written down, because honestly I am terrified of public speaking. I am comforted by what it says in Isaiah 57:2, “For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die.” I want to read a line from a poem my grandpa wrote, titled “The Little Things”:
“But Lord I thank you for the little
things! The little bird that visits a prison cell window, with a tune
of comfort.”
I feel like everything about his
character can be found in that one line. Dearing loved God, he was
compassionate, he was generous to a fault, he spoke the truth about
Jesus often, and he knew everything came from the Lord. Romans 12:36
says “For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is
intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.” Everything
that exists is intended for God's glory. Even death. Even sickness.
God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him. Meaning,
even in suffering and death...if it means you are turning to Jesus,
then it is good. Romans 8:17 says “And since we are his children,
we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's
glory. But if we share in his glory, we must also share in his
suffering.”
There has been suffering in this world
ever since sin entered the scene with Adam and Eve. Because of sin,
we now have death. But because of Christ's perfect life, death on the
cross, and then his resurrection into heaven, we now have life.
Because of this act, when death presents itself for a believer, we
are not to grieve like people who have no hope. “We are made right
with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for
everyone who believes, no matter who we are.” Romans 3:22.
I say all of this for two reasons. One,
it's what Papa would want to be said. And two, I am compelled to
speak the truth of salvation and hope in Jesus Christ to all of you.
Let me close with a prayer:
God I pray that we wouldn't despair.
I pray that Papa's death would point every single person back to you.
I pray that many salvations will continue to come out of his legacy.
That we remember and rejoice in where he has gone. He is more alive
today than he ever has been. Father I pray that we look to you for
our comfort. Death happens because sin entered the world. And so when
we grieve, let us grieve over sin. I pray that we hate sin, and
embrace you instead. Because the wages of sin are death, but the free
gift of God is eternal life through Jesus. Papa has a new restored
body and mind in heaven, and for that we worship and adore you.
Amen.”
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- Bethany
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