For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. (2 Corinthians 5:4)
We traveled to Michigan this week for the funeral of my Grandpa’s wife, Trudy. Death is such a difficult and sad part of this life…so final.
Or so it seems.
The pastor who led the service reminded us of Jesus’ promise to come back. He will judge the living and the dead. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. It’s going to be both a dreadful and a glorious day.
He likened the burial of the body to the burying of a seed of corn.
When the miraculous takes place under the ground, that corn seed grows up to a giant, green, leafy corn stalk which looks nothing like its humble seed beginning.
And so it will be when Jesus returns and all those who are dead in Christ will be raised in glory and in power.
So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. (1 Corinthians 15:42-44)
This is an amazing promise. And this is the reason we can bury loved ones–who have trusted Jesus Christ alone for their salvation–and not despair, but trust that this is far from the end for them.
Thanks for such a great summary and pictorial depiction of Pastor Anema’s brief message. What a wonderful hope we have in Christ. Hope you don’t mind that this entry has gone international. I shared it with Aunt Kathy, who then shared with their children throughout Australia.