Daily Devotional for October 19, 2020
After Death
George stuck close to his father as they quietly walked into the church for Mr. Benson’s funeral. The elderly man had lived two houses down the street from them, and George often helped him with yardwork. In fact, just last Saturday the two of them had cut and stacked wood for the winter. But Mr. Benson wouldn’t be needing any wood now.
Only the soft tones of the piano broke the silence as George and his dad walked past the casket in the foyer. It seemed strange to see Mr. Benson lying there so still with flowers all around the casket.
George was glad when they were seated. While they waited for the service to begin, pictures of Mr. Benson were shown on the big screen up front. Some showed him as a boy, some as a young man, and several as an older person. George smiled. That was the Mr. Benson he knew.
During the service, Pastor Reed talked about many things Mr. Benson had done for the church and its members. He also mentioned other ways the elderly man had served the Lord. “And now he sees Jesus face-to-face,” said Pastor Reed. “We’ll miss him, but if you trust Jesus as your Savior, you’ll be reunited with Mr. Benson again someday.”
George was thoughtful on the drive home. “Dad,” he said finally, “what does a pastor say if the person who dies isn’t a Christian?”
“That’s a sad occasion,” Dad told him, “but we must remember it’s not for us to judge who is saved and who isn’t saved. Only God knows for sure. We should do what we can to make sure those still living know that Jesus died and rose again to save them. We can let them know that if they trust in Him, they don’t have to fear death. But when a person dies without having made a public commitment to Christ, the only thing the pastor—or any of us—can do is leave it with God.”
George nodded. “I’m glad Mr. Benson knew Jesus.”
“Me too,” said Dad. “Let’s pray and ask God to use Mr. Benson’s life—and ours—to help more people know what Jesus has done for them.” • Linda M. Weddle
How about you?
What would someone say at your funeral? Would they be confident you knew Jesus as your Savior? Would they talk about how you served God during your life on this earth? Everyone will die someday, but if you know Jesus, you don’t have to fear death. He promises salvation and eternal life to all who trust in Him. (To learn more, click the “Good News!” button in the right column of this page.)
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