Yesterday, there was a memorial service for a brother in Christ who had died unexpectedly and suddenly at age 64. Occasionally, there is time at a memorial for those in attendance to share their remembrances, and so, as is my custom, I had prepared brief remarks. The service was more scripted with appropriate music, a solid message sharing the gospel, and one eulogy that captured the deceased’s life in Christ. That being the case, I decided to share below what I had.
I served with Steve Ball on the deacon board, and what I most noted of him was a constant refrain from all who remembered him: he was a servant. Every willing and ready to help where needed, he was a tireless worker when the need arose. He did his work without fanfare and exemplified the Biblical standard to do everything
I was also in a small group that Steve and Coleen were part of, and since his death, I have had multiple conversations in which the subject was broached that our study group was literally dying off. You see, in less than a year and a half, three of our number have left this life and entered the presence of their Lord. In a way, we are getting used to it.
As I considered this more, I could not help but be glad for those who have gone before. Even now Steve and the others are joining angels, archangels, and all the company of heaven in praising God for all He is and all He has done. What joy for them, but not just for them, because each Sunday morning, we get to join our voices in the chorus of all who have died in Christ. We look forward to a day when we shall also be with those who have gone before, not simply to reminisce or enjoy each other’s company, but to join with the throng in giving all glory, laud, and honor to our King.
Until that time, we await—sometimes patiently, sometimes not—to be with our Lord Jesus. We long for the day of His return, but we may die instead. Either way, we look forward to a resurrection and eternity with the One who died to save us. And that is worth waiting for.
I served with Steve Ball on the deacon board, and what I most noted of him was a constant refrain from all who remembered him: he was a servant. Every willing and ready to help where needed, he was a tireless worker when the need arose. He did his work without fanfare and exemplified the Biblical standard to do everything
not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. (Col 3:22-24)That will be sorely missed.
I was also in a small group that Steve and Coleen were part of, and since his death, I have had multiple conversations in which the subject was broached that our study group was literally dying off. You see, in less than a year and a half, three of our number have left this life and entered the presence of their Lord. In a way, we are getting used to it.
As I considered this more, I could not help but be glad for those who have gone before. Even now Steve and the others are joining angels, archangels, and all the company of heaven in praising God for all He is and all He has done. What joy for them, but not just for them, because each Sunday morning, we get to join our voices in the chorus of all who have died in Christ. We look forward to a day when we shall also be with those who have gone before, not simply to reminisce or enjoy each other’s company, but to join with the throng in giving all glory, laud, and honor to our King.
Until that time, we await—sometimes patiently, sometimes not—to be with our Lord Jesus. We long for the day of His return, but we may die instead. Either way, we look forward to a resurrection and eternity with the One who died to save us. And that is worth waiting for.
1 comment:
Wonderful and insightful post, Steve.
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