Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Grandpa's Funeral Readings

(These were the readings at my grandpa’s funeral, and I share them with you in remembrance of him. My dad gave the meditations on these verses. Grandpa liked the traditional wording, which is used here.)

To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue…
Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed. The Lord works out everything for His own end—even the wicked for a day of disaster…In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:1, 3-4, 9

Grandpa made many plans during his life. Some things went as he’d planned, and some did not. But whether they did or did not go as he’s planned, Grandpa had put his life in God’s hands. He knew that the Lord was determining his steps, and accepted whatever happened.

Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” Thomas saith unto Him, “Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the say?” Jesus saith unto him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” John 14:1-6
What an amazing thought—Jesus Himself is preparing our eternal home for us…and loved ones who are already in Heaven are enjoying their mansions. We can all find comfort and joy in these words!