I received a call from a friend asking if I would be willing to officiate at his grandmother’s funeral. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary — a funeral for an elderly lady — I’ve done lots of them like this before. As it turned out, it was one of those experiences I would add to my “unforgettable” file.  

The service was to be held in the Rockford area. I arrived early and went inside and met with the family. We chatted for a few minutes about the impending service and they shared stories about the deceased. It wasn’t long until the chapel had filled with family and friends talking softly, some weeping, some laughing as they recalled the life of their loved one. Those moments always move me. These times always trigger within me a sense of my own mortality and family and loved ones. It also triggers a sense of the temporary — we are just passing through this life — this world really is not our home. It also reminds me of the fact that at the end of every life there is waiting for us the Lord Jesus. Hebrews 9:27 states: “It is appointed unto men to die once, and after this, the judgment.” The Bible also says that one day at the name of Jesus, “every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” We can ignore Him, pretend He doesn’t exist, or that He’s not interested, but in the end, everyone will acknowledge Him as Lord. 

I have officiated at dozens of funerals, maybe even hundreds — but this was an unusually amazing event and the Spirit of God moved freely. The family related story after story of their dear loved one and her love of life and God. She loved her family and wanted them to walk with the Lord every day. I hope and pray each one there will find their way to peace with God through a relationship with Jesus Christ. 

I attended another funeral several years ago, where the mother died rather young. Her children were all in their twenties at that time. Apparently she prayed each and every day for them — that they would grow to love the Lord and return to the joy of their salvation that they had experienced as youngsters. As I read through the program for the service that day, on the back cover was a note that said, “Mama, all your babies are safe.” That was a very moving moment as I thought how God had answered her prayers and brought all three of her children safely into the fold. What greater security can one have than that? 

Life is fleeting, but eternity is forever. In the 103rd Psalm it says: “As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children — with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.”

The infinite span of God’s love overarches our little time here on this earth. It’s a good idea to take a little inventory on your life and know where you stand with God. 

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Kevin Cernek is senior pastor of Martintown Community Church.