Grieving with Hope: A Christian Response to the Death of a Believer

This morning I learned of the Home going of a man I held in great respect. Not only because of the multitude of works he performed on behalf of his community and the young people in it, but there was so much more. He was a steadfast father, grandfather and great grandfather providing support to his family with a quiet presence. He mentored the young people in the local 4-H program and always checked in on them when he saw them whether they were long adults or a new "Mini" 4-Her excited about their chicken or rabbits. First and foremost he was a Christian and that showed in all the above and so many other ways. John, good rest my brother and we'll see you soon. We come together today mindful of the reality of death—a reality that touches every life and every community. As Christians, we face the sorrow of losing those dear to us, yet we do so with a unique perspective. Our faith teaches us that death is not the end but a passage into eternal life with our Lord Jes...