Our reading today is: 1 Thessalonians 4:14
“For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”
It seemed to me just another day, but I could not have known how that one day would provide a forever memory. The phone rang, and I didn’t know the person on the other end. He ask an unusual question. How much do you charge for a funeral service?
I always answer that with, “I don’t charge anything.” I then add “Whatever you want to give me as a gift. It’s always fine.“
So I started my answer: “I don’t charge anything.” Before I could finish the sentence, he interrupted, “Oh, that’s wonderful because they don’t have any money!” He told me it was to be a graveside-only funeral.
The next morning, I was the first to arrive at the gravesite. I had trouble finding it because it looked liked like a large, wooden shoebox laying on the ground. In fact, it was the coffin of a child, a baby.
In a little while, the mother and father arrived. Only a handful of others came, each weighed down with grief. I opened the Scriptures and spoke briefly of life, death, heaven, and the joy of being with Jesus. Then I prayed—and just like that, the service was over.
I didn’t leave that day feeling unpaid. I left feeling honored, thankful that God let me help hurting strangers. And someday, in eternity’s forever, I’ll meet the soul we buried. That reunion will be my true reward, the final payment for my service.
I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.