The Big Idea: Funeral thoughts using Philippians 1:21, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain."

The Presence of Jesus Here of There

A day ago my husband and I went to a funeral a state away. We heard of the passing of an old dairy farmer who needed one more stint to his heart. His family had become dear to my husband when he was their pastor about 30 years ago. We wanted to go, but read in the obituary due to these COVID times - "family only." The man's wife called. “I dared not ask you to come, but if you can please come. We think of you as family!”

My husband, in a dark suit and tie, and I in fashionable black and grey walked into the church which was decorated with John Deere tractors and miniature cows. As family arrived we chuckled as we realized we had missed the dress of the day: "Cowboy boots and Western Wear."

It was a COVID funeral with masks and social distancing. We watched the photo collage of non-COVID decades with Southern Gospel music in the background. The new widow was ushered to the front and as she sat before her beloved in the casket, she nodded her head raising a hand to the sky. As I listened to the song being played, the words gripped me.

I'm a winner either way, if I go or if I stay
For I'll still have my Jesus each passing day
I'll have my healing here below, or life forever if I go
Oh praise the Lord, I'm a winner either way.

Wow, this is essentially Philippians 1:21, I thought to myself.

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

The words were so comforting. I reflected on that truth that as we live here on this earth, we hope and joy in the presence of the Lord. His presence here with us on this earth may involve healing, or it may just be the peace of His comfort. But if He calls us heavenward to be with Him it is joy in His presence forevermore for those of us who love Him, who have accepted His gift of faith saving us from our sinful self.

EAVESDROPPING LIKE A FLY ON THE WALL

I felt a bit like I was eavesdropping like a fly on the wall at a private family gathering. Family shared how this man, this joyous loving father, grandfather, uncle etc. had modeled for them hard work with laughter and a love for Jesus. The officiating pastor, a family member, said he always said, "He will be with me or I will be with Him. I'm a winner either way."

A life well spent with the Bible at center stage is quite a legacy to leave. The peace this man felt as he milked cows up 'til the day he died was because of His love for God and His Word. He asked to have his casket brought to the cemetery using his old John Deere tractor towed in the manure spreader. I believe he wanted us to remember he is now with the Lord and all the rest is manure such as the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 3:8. The word the Apostle used in the original language the New Testament was written in really means manure in this verse. Most of our modern translations don't put it so shockingly. The Good News Translation says.

I reckon everything as complete loss for the sake of what is so much more valuable, the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have thrown everything away; I consider it all as mere garbage, so that I may gain Christ

If you do not know what it is like to have such an amazing relationship with Jesus as your Lord, please write to me at dianewido@scripturespy.com, or talk with someone who does have this kind of relationship with God. It is worth the peace and joy (not to mention eternity with Jesus) and is of great comfort in this turbulent COVID period.

I looked up this song when I got home today. I grew up singing this kind of music with my family around the family piano. It is a song my father would have loved. I wondered why we never sang it or heard it. I found out it was written as recently as 1993 by Lori Curtis and Tina Lewis.

A LOVED ONE KNEW HE'D REACHED THE END OF LIFE'S JOURNEY,
BUT HE'D BEEN HOLDING TO GOD'S HAND A LONG, LONG TIME
AND AS I KNELT BESIDE HIS BED,
MY HEART WAS THRILLED AT WHAT HE SAID,"
IF I GO, OR IF I STAY, THE VICTORY IS MINE."

CHORUS)
I'M A WINNER EITHER WAY, IF I GO OR IF I STAY
FOR I'LL STILL HAVE MY JESUS EACH PASSING DAY
I'LL HAVE MY HEALING HERE BELOW, OR LIFE FOREVER IF I GO OH PRAISE THE LORD, I'M A WINNER EITHER WAY.

2)
NONE OF US REALLY KNOWS ABOUT TOMORROW,
WE MUST PREPARE TO GO TO HEAVEN ANYDAY
BUT WHILE WE'RE HERE LET'S TRUST THE LORD,
HE'LL LEAD US SAFE TO OUR REWARD
AND BY HIS GRACE, WE'LL BE A WINNER EITHER WAY

CHORUS)
I'M A WINNER EITHER WAY, IF I GO OR IF I STAY
FOR I'LL STILL HAVE MY JESUS EACH PASSING DAY
I'LL HAVE MY HEALING HERE BELOW, OR LIFE FOREVER IF I GO OH PRAISE THE LORD, I'M A WINNER EITHER WAY.