Presiding Over a Funeral
Sunday, June 27, I woke up to find a text and voicemail informing me that a coworker's spouse had passed away unexpectedly the day before. I called to offer my sympathy and help and found the voice on the other line asking "how could God do this to me?"
Her husband, only fifty-four years old, was a good man. He housed others when they had need, employed a nephew from New Jersey when he was jobless, took care of his parents in the end of their lives, and most recently took guardianship of a preteen great-niece-in-law. He was everything to his spouse. He opened doors, cooked, shopped for groceries, took their niece to doctor appointments, and pumped gas in all the cars. Now, he is gone and the life she has known with him for the last 17 years is over. She must start over.
I work with a good group of ladies (I am the only guy). They began the process of finding ways to serve. We sent money, cards, food, and bought lunch for after the funeral. My concern was that the family was not currently connected to a church and may be in need of help with the funeral home and graveside services. My coworker and I talked about spiritual matters from time to time. So, I offered to preside over these services even though I had never done so in the past.
With a bible and my guitar in hand, the Lord graciously led me through these services. I was a little nervous and actually did not have things planned out exactly. I spent some time in the Word, in thought, and then waited to see what the moment needed. All I can say is that God is faithful and good. I was complemented on a job well done. She told me that "it was exactly the way he would have wanted it."
I have never been in a pastoral position quite like this one. What I experienced amid the grieving family was a unique connection with God. For the first time I saw people through His lens of shepherd. I briefly understood how Jesus must have cared for His people, how he cares for us now.
For a day in time, this family, who came from various states, near and far to gather in memory, was a small flock that the Lord cared for. He was not harsh. He did not try to justify His authority at the finger pointing. He offered comfort and hope. He offered Himself, reassuring them that He is there in the suffering.
How much they received, I do not know. It will certainly take time. What I do know is that the joy I spent in service to this family is something I want to experience again.
Her husband, only fifty-four years old, was a good man. He housed others when they had need, employed a nephew from New Jersey when he was jobless, took care of his parents in the end of their lives, and most recently took guardianship of a preteen great-niece-in-law. He was everything to his spouse. He opened doors, cooked, shopped for groceries, took their niece to doctor appointments, and pumped gas in all the cars. Now, he is gone and the life she has known with him for the last 17 years is over. She must start over.
I work with a good group of ladies (I am the only guy). They began the process of finding ways to serve. We sent money, cards, food, and bought lunch for after the funeral. My concern was that the family was not currently connected to a church and may be in need of help with the funeral home and graveside services. My coworker and I talked about spiritual matters from time to time. So, I offered to preside over these services even though I had never done so in the past.
With a bible and my guitar in hand, the Lord graciously led me through these services. I was a little nervous and actually did not have things planned out exactly. I spent some time in the Word, in thought, and then waited to see what the moment needed. All I can say is that God is faithful and good. I was complemented on a job well done. She told me that "it was exactly the way he would have wanted it."
I have never been in a pastoral position quite like this one. What I experienced amid the grieving family was a unique connection with God. For the first time I saw people through His lens of shepherd. I briefly understood how Jesus must have cared for His people, how he cares for us now.
For a day in time, this family, who came from various states, near and far to gather in memory, was a small flock that the Lord cared for. He was not harsh. He did not try to justify His authority at the finger pointing. He offered comfort and hope. He offered Himself, reassuring them that He is there in the suffering.
How much they received, I do not know. It will certainly take time. What I do know is that the joy I spent in service to this family is something I want to experience again.
posted by D.Moore at 9:36 AM
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