A Pastor's Dilemma

 “For to me, living means serving Christ; dying gets even better!" ~ Philippians 1:21

He stood facing the congregation; all heads were down.  Maybe it was them showing respect or maybe they were too afraid of what was coming.  As the dark cherry coffin was pulled from the hearse, Pastor Bob begged the Almighty for the right words today.

At 59, Bob had done many funerals before.  Earlier this week, he’d celebrated the life of a faithful Christian and longtime church member who’d epitomized the message he’d delivered amid those grieving her loss: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Phil. 1:21).

But today was different … very different.

Albert, the deceased, was not just a militant atheist who Bob didn’t know, but someone who’d apparently lived an awful life.  One of the pallbearers had confided to him earlier that “We’re all better off because he was the nastiest man on earth.”

Now he had to preach the toughest funeral of his life to a few dozen people convinced that the man in the coffin was, at this very moment, suffering in Hell.  As the casket approached the alter, Pastor Bob renewed his plea.  “Help me do right today, Lord.”

The pastor remembered something he’d learned in seminary - that funerals are not for the dead.  Those grieving are often desperate to find purpose in their anguish.  This may well be the only opportunity those in attendance may have to hear the gospel.  Relish those opportunities.

And so, he began.  Bob introduced himself not as a professional burying person, but as a proud Christian.  “I’m not here to speak of death, but about the good news of Jesus Christ.  Nor will I be generic; I’ll speak confidently from God’s own Word.”

He continued by recognizing the dignity of life. “Everyone is created in God’s own image.  Even though Alfred had seemingly made a wreck of his life, there had been times where God used him in some way or another to bless others.  Our true faith is known only to God.”

He reminded them that we’re never promised another day; that we never know when we’ll exhale our final breath.  It’s too late to believe in God when you’re six feet under.  Only belief in Christ guarantees everlasting life.

Now it was time to close by addressing the elephant in the room. 

“We Christians believe in eternal life,” he said.  “Don’t presume that Albert’s soul is lost forever.  Our job is not to condemn – that’s God’s job.  Our job is to connect.  It’s always possible that in those last few moments, a seed that’d once been planted may have come to fruition.  God will always do what’s right!”

And with that his sermon ended, confident in his faith and grateful for the opportunity.

Almighty God, we know that prayers for the dead have no meaning.  I cry for those left behind, for the lonely ones with empty hearts.  Comfort them, bring them peace and restore hope and faith and belonging.  Amen