So, as a minister for over thirty years I have been involved in a scenario many times that is very uncomfortable and heartbreaking. Here is an example: A local Funeral Home calls me and says they are with a family who’s loved one has died. The deceased nor the family have a pastor to conduct a Funeral Service. Think about it. At one of the most difficult times in a person’s life the family is not connected to a church or a pastor in such a way that they can contact them in their time of need. It is also very interesting that they want a Christian pastor. They do not have a community to provide support, love, prayer, food etc. This normally means that Faith in Jesus and an assurance that their loved one is in Heaven is nonexistent. (Certainly, being connected with a church doesn’t guarantee this either but it definitely increases the odds.) It is so sad that the last person to say words about your loved one does not even know them. Only what has been told them and it is usually very sparse. I can’t offer the family real hope for the deceased. I can only point the family to Jesus in hope that that they will consider eternal things. My youngest daughter just returned from a mission trip overseas. In the country she was visiting she said the Gospel was met with apathy. A shrug of the shoulders commenting that they are not concerned about what’s next and they really don’t think about it! Imagine that? And this is not an isolated event! The most important legacy we can leave our loved ones is that they know from our life that Jesus was our Savior and we lived for Him on earth and we are with Him in Heaven! In other words, we are living our eulogy every day. I know this might sound rather morbid. But think about it. What will be said about you when your eyes close for the last time? And who will say it? A pastor that you had no relationship with? A life that offers no assurance that you are in Heaven? Matthew 16:26 (NIV) — 26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? The Bible says, “Today is the day of salvation!” How about you? Think about it! Please!
John @ The Gathering
