“So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:54-5754So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:54‑57)).
Yesterday, it was a privilege to attend with some of you the funeral of a beloved “mother” in the assembly. The funeral, graveside service and following meal with the family were a blessing, which I have rarely ever experienced. It was one marked by victory, not loss by joy overshadowing the sorrow of missing one so truly beloved. Most there were the Lord’s and, therefore, enjoyed the wonderful assurance of our sister’s entrance into the Lord’s presence, as well as the knowledge that we will someday very soon be reunited with her in the presence of our Saviour.
In view of this, I would like to ask all of you the following questions: Should the Lord leave His church here that long, will it be possible for there to be joy mingled with sorrow at your funeral? Will your loved ones rejoice as they think of your eternal abode? Will it be a comfort to them or will that thought cause them grief? Even more, will they have the sweet confidence that they will see you once again? And can you rejoice because you know you will see your loved ones on “the other side”?
T. Bookman