Let’s read Paul’s words from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Today, God would have us understand three things:
1. There is a right kind of learning
A. When we see our loved ones die, we must not be uninformed. The King James Version says we must not be ignorant. WE HAVE HOPE!
B. Because Don Hankins was a Christian, he is:
1. asleep with Christ
This was Paul’s favorite way to describe the death of Christians. The first time we see this phrase used was in conjunction with Stephen’s stoning in Acts 7. Acts 8 tells us that Paul was an eyewitness of this murder, and, before his conversion to Christianity, was in full agreement with it. Yet Stephen’s death must have been so peaceful that it left a profound mark in Paul’s life.
“Falling asleep” paints for us a picture of comfort and rest. As Stephen’s body could not withstand the blows of rocks being hurled at him, Don Hankins’ body could no longer sustain an earthly dwelling place for his soul.
2. first in line
The Thessalonians thought that Christians who died before Christ’s return missed the boat. Not so! Instead, they would be the first to enjoy the ride!
3. with the Lord.
Last Friday, Don closed his eyes in sleep and woke up in Glory! The interesting thing about time and space is that it is the only form of existence we know. We are here at this moment because this service was scheduled for 2:00 PM September 17, 2003 at the Liberty Christian Church. At this same moment however, Don is not bound by any of this! The end of our life is the beginning of our eternity!
C. At times like these, we hear so many rationalize death and the reasons for it. Let’s be careful that we not think we can pick and choose our theology from some imaginary spiritual smorgasbord. Rather, let’s be grounded and comforted by the reality and reliability of God’s Word!
2. There is a right kind of grieving
A. The Scriptures do not say, “Don’t grieve.” Rather, they encourage us to grieve right!
1. Matthew 5:4 … Blessed are those who mourn
2. Ecclesiastes 3:4 … There is a time to weep
3. Isaiah 53:3 … Jesus would be a man of sorrows acquainted with grief.
B. We cannot skip the grief process, nor can we opt out of it.
1. We must go through it as though we are peeling an onion, one layer at time, with lots of tears.
2. There is nothing unspiritual about grief. We are told of the occasions of Jesus’ tears.
C. The goal of mourning is not to forget!
1. Remember Don Hankins! Remember what he taught! Remember what was important to him! Remember who he loved, and how he loved!
Don not only loved his family, he loved God. He counted it a privilege to serve Christ as a member of the Liberty Christian Church. Don loved to sing, and as his health allowed, he stood beside me in the bass section of the adult choir.
Don volunteered to serve on the building committee responsible for the construction of the Fellowship and Education Center.
Don loved kids. He wanted to instill in them a sense of value and worth as he endeavored to point them in the right direction. Don had a chance to visit with his new great grandson Thatcher. With the baby lying on the floor, in spite of obvious physical difficulty, Don proceeded to go to his hands and knees. He told his family he wanted to be face to face with his great grandson. “I may not be able to get back up, but I’m sure going to get down to his level!”
The neighborhood children in Shireman Estates were important to Don and Deloris. Marshall, Audrey, & Patrica Bales were especially close to them. Patricia cried when she found out Don would not survive. “He’s my friend,” she told her parents. Last night she openly expressed her loss at the funeral home.
2. To all who would cry over seperation from Don, you need to know it is okay! God God understands tears…after all, he made them!
3. There is a right kind of believing
A. This belief is in Christ Jesus alone.
1. Over the last few months, I witnessed the real character of Don Hankins come into full bloom.
The news of his cancer was devastating, but he would not give up hope. Don had so much to live for; so many reasons to cling to life. Yet Don’s real hope was in Christ! As much as he loved living here, he placed the outcome of this brave journey in the nail-scarred hands of his Lord.
2. Just before the great prophet Elijah was taken to heaven, those who were godly wondered who could carry on his work. While ascending upward in a chariot of fire, Elijah’s mantle (shawl) fell to the ground. In spite of overwhelming feelings of sorrow and loss, Elisha picked up the garment and wore it as the next prophet of God. As Elisha vowed not to forget the work of Elijah, we must remember what was important to Don.
Don knew the cancer he fought should have ended his life long ago. As soon as I visited with him after his fiirst surgery nearly a year and a half ago, Don declared his life was spared for a reason; that God still had something for him to do.
Indeed, he witnessed the birth of his first great grandchild;
he celebrated 50 years of marriage with Deloris;
he enouraged everyone he knew to walk closer to the Lord.
B. Here is what Don asked me to do today:
1. Preach to lost souls.
2. Preach to lost souls.
3. Preach to lost souls.
Don told me over and over again that he had one tremendous regret in his life: that he did not live as fully for His Lord Jesus Christ as he could have.
He told me just before going into surgery the last time, that when he came out of this, he was going to give himself wholly and completely to the service of the Lord. At this moment in the realms of Glory, Don is doing exactly that!
C. But the mantle has fallen; the burning desire Don expressed to so many still needs to be done.
Who will pick up the mantle; who will complete the work that Don realized was so important?
It is up to you…and to me.
When we face the reality of death, we need to know that through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, fear of the grave and punishment for our sins can be removed.
We need to believe
We need to repent
We need to confess
We need to obey in baptism
We need to live the life!
Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, tells the story of his father’s one request to his children: “When I get to heaven, be there!” Don’s request to all who are gathered here this afternoon would be no different: “Be there!”
Yes, there is a right kind of learning and a right kind of grieving, but praise God there is a right kind of believing!
Conclusion:
I am happy to announce to you today that Don Hankins has beaten the odds. Not of surviving a cancer that destroys the body, but of escaping the grasp of Satan who destroys the soul. What Don enjoys today is a miracle of love accomplished by the death, burial, and resurrection of our Savior. Let’s comfort one another with these words, and let’s never give our loved ones any reason to wonder what will happen to us when we breathe our last.
BE THERE!
