AN OPPORTUNITY FOR WITNESS

We buried a young man from our congregation today who leaves behind a wife and four children. It was cancer and its effects that claimed his life. Because he had been attending another congregation in town, I wasn't the one who had to lead the service. I'm glad, actually. The other pastor obviously knew the man better than I did. He even added some Lutheran touches, at my request. Besides, some of the circumstances hit a little too close to home--like a son age seven, the same age I was when my own father died.

What can one say under those circumstances? What can one say to comfort the mourning? What can one say to reassure a family who has suffered so untimely a loss of a husband, a father, a brother, a son? Three things stand out for me as one who was priviledged to be an observor. First, the pastor and others testified to the faith of the man. He did not ask why--at least out loud. He did not express fear. He did express his love for his family and his Lord. Secondly, there was talk of heaven, and the wonderful things awaiting those who die believing in Jesus. Third, there was talk of the love and support available here on earth from family and friends who surrounded the family with a blanket of caring.

Around four hundred people attended the funeral. Around three hundred attended the prayer service last night. All heard words of assurance proclaimed in Jesus' name. They heard, as well, an invitation to renew their faith in Christ. It makes one wonder if this death was planned as an opportunity for witness in ways that are often not possible while someone is alive. Surely it shows how instances of loss and sorrow can be used as opportunities for witness, just as Jesus used the death of his friend Lazarus as an opportunity to witness to the power of his Father in heaven to raise the dead to new life.

Just as surely, if such a sad occasion can be used to glorify God, we who are fortunate not to be mourning can use every opportunity available to us to glorify the one who gives us every blessing we experience here on earth, even as he promises life everlasting with him in heaven. It's sad that such opportunities should so often escape us in this life--that we should so often let them slip through our fingers.

I'd like to think that my own death should be an opportunity for people to witness to the power of almighty God. How much better, though, if I should take the opportunity to use my life as a witness, as well. While I still have it.

Blessings,
John