One Day at a time, a daily reflection

by surprisedbyjoy@yahoo.com

December 12

Precious in the sight of God

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

Once again, I’m cleaning out my files and going down memory lane. In front of me is a faded penciled copy of a sermon I wrote more than seven years ago for my grandfather’s funeral. Grandpa died several years after my mother’s death. He and grandmother had been married for seventy-two years. They had planned to renew their wedding vows before he died.

Months before his death, Grandma had specifically asked me to perform the funeral. That funeral was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life. I will always remember Grandma sitting in front of me as I preached the homily. She was surrounded by her numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. The funeral home was overflowing with visitors. Many had traveled great distances to comfort Grandma in her grief and bereavement.

Before the casket was closed, many people gravely walked to the casket for a final viewing. One of the great-great grandchildren quietly placed her cherished teddy bear in the casket so her beloved Grandpapa would have a toy to play with in heaven. There was not a dry eye among us. "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." Yes, once again a little child taught us a great truth about God. Love is for the very young, the middle-aged and the old.

Philip Yancey has written an important book titled, "Where is God when it hurts?" He reminds us that, "God is not deaf." Suffering is part of life. Life is tough, but God is good. God is compassionate and yearns to comfort us in our pain. God hears when we cry out for help.

My grandmother asked me to preach on 2 Timothy 4:7-8 as a tribute for her husband’s life: "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." My grandfather left a remarkable and honorable legacy of faithful living. He fought the good fight and kept his faith in God. He loved and cared for his family. He served the church with his time, talents and love. He had a heavenly reward ready and waiting for him. I’m sure that God’s first words to him were, "well done, good and faithful servant. Great is your reward."

What kind of legacy will we leave behind us? Greg Bourgond, dean of academic affairs at Bethel Seminary has clearly identified three basic questions that are asked in every culture and generation. "Why am I here? Where am I going? Will my life have a lasting impact?"

What are our answers? What is our legacy?

Prayer: God, help us live as valued people. Help us keep the faith and leave a lasting legacy that blesses others. Amen.