Funeral Arrangements

Genesis 23

Abraham makes burial arrangements for his beloved wife, Sarah.  He weeps for her and then sets about finding a suitable place in which she can be buried.  I have officiated at hundreds of funerals and memorial services and even more committals.  I have spent so much time with the local funeral home directors, that I have long considered them my friends.  They are amazing people.  They take care of all the administrative and organizational tasks efficiently and compassionately, leaving me to minister to the spiritual needs of those who have lost loved ones and also leaving me time to deal with my own grief as many of those whom we have lost; I too have grown close to and love deeply. 

In the story of Sarah's death, we see Abraham spending a lot of time in preparing for Sarah's burial.  It is not so different for us today.  Death usually comes so unexpectedly that we are thrown from the shock of the loss of it all right into making arrangements to prepare for the body's (or ashes) final resting place.  We have so many things to take care of (and usually in 3 days) that we don't have time to experience the full measure of our grief and that may be a good thing.  For many, the loss would be too great to endure if they were not kept so busy.  But, grief comes to us all, as we gather together to remember our loved ones and to commend them into the hands of Almighty God.  The impact of our loss finally has the opportunity to more fully hit us as we are gathered with our friends and family members in a place where our grief can be shared with those who love us and where we can find peace in the promises that because Jesus' lives, all who believe in him, shall live as well, receiving the promise of His Kingdom.