Funeral

FUNERAL

Isaiah 40:25-31

Introduction: Speak about Ms. Loretta.

I. We can rely on the presence of God

A. God never left Ms. Loretta’s side.

B. He never leaves our side.

C. ILLUS – Story of Mother who was asked by a psychologist which of her 5 children she loved most: She said “I love them all the same”. The psychologist persisted, so she said, “When one is sick I love that one the most, when one is hurt, I love that one the most. Whichever one is most in need, I love the most.”

D. God loves each of us in the same way. He is here offering His comfort.

II. We can rely on the power of God

A. God’s power is limitless and exceeds even our best attempts to understand it.

B. Explain starlight traveling millions of light years to earth. The reason stars twinkle is because as their light travels it is occasionally blocked by other objects.

C. If we think of stars as people – God told Abraham his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky – Ms. Loretta is now like one of them. Twinkling in the sky.

D. NOT ONE OF THEM IS MISSING!

1. I have not lost even one. Jesus in John 17:12

E. Ms. Loretta isn’t missing; she is home with the Lord.

III. God promised to protect her and us

A. God’s protection is perfect.

B. We cannot fathom the wisdom of God.

1. 1Cor 1:25 – For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom

2. 1Cor 3:19 – For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God.

C. POEM – IF THEY COULD WRITE

IV. God promised to provide for her and us

A. Death is not the end, but the beginning

B. Death is not a loss but a gain

C. Death is not a defeat but a victory.

D. He renews us. Both Loretta and those still here. “Renew” is literally “exchange”

1. 1 Cor 15:42 – So it will be at 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 sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.

E. POEM - OUR INHERITENCE

Conclusion: For the Christians, today is not a day to mourn a loss, but to celebrate a life that was held secure in the hands of the Lord.