I Have Fought The Good Fight

Funeral

October 9, 2002

One of the unique things about being a pastor in this denomination is the fact that very rarely do I do funerals for people I don’t know. Usually when I bring the message at a funeral service, I know the person for at least a few years. Because of this I don’t bring a generic sermon, rather I like to say something in this time that specifically comes out of the life of the person whom we remember.

The overwhelming reality in Pat’s life in this last year has been the illness that eventually took her life.

1. She was like Job

my first thoughts as I prepared were to compare her to Job

- she had been through a great deal of difficulty these past nine months

- Job is a great comfort to those who are going through suffering

Job 19:25 I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.

26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God;

27 I myself will see him with my own eyes-- I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

But even though she went through great difficulty, I don’t think Pat would want us to dwell on those things. She didn’t. If you went to visit her she quickly turned the conversation away from her illness to ask how your family was doing. There was always a sparkle in her eye and she was always ready to share a laugh.

1. She would imitate the words of Paul

2 Tim. 4:6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

A. She knew her departure was at hand

B. She put in her full effort while she was here

C. She had a hope that transcended this life

NIV Revelation 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.

2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.