Today’s Thought “R.I.P.?” G. Ward

“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. ⁵³ For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. ⁵⁴ But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory. ⁵⁵ O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:52-55

On this morning I have a funeral to preach. A dear friend (mostly) and congregant, Contrail Kitchens, passed away. I know the services will be well attended in that he was in his early 40’s. If he were 82, I couldn’t leave work… Many will arrive early to see his remains, reciting the traditional funeral rhetoric; “He looks like he’s sleeping,” or “Rest in peace Brother Contrail.” Both of these expressions have stemmed from our inability to discern Holy God’s word over what’s traditionally acceptable. With the passage above it’s as clear as stained glass in a Catholic cathedral. It’s imperative we slow down well enough to see that Christ’s return has Contrail with Him along with others who have died in Jesus, then our change (those of us yet living) is eminent (vs. 52, 1 Th.4:14).

Rest is not a factor for those uncontaminated by flesh (cf. 2Co.5:2-4). Absence from flesh is immediate presence with God (2 Co.5:6-8).

We’re in an era now where word games are necessary to establish a hope in desired effect. For example, fat people like me don’t say diet, we say eating healthier (that will surely help me lose). There are no more funerals, they’re home-goings (will that comfort Contrail’s children, particularly after all the festivities are done and it gets quiet?).

Here’s our reality; “This is the day which the Lord has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps.118:24). Holy God included you in His today because you have purpose in Him. It’s not so that you’d be insatiably driven by your desires, but to please the Master (2 Co.5:9) is my goal.

I’ve got to go now, this funeral, oh, I’m sorry this home-going is shortly to begin… Happy Thursday!