Ecclesiastes - It was interesting how this book of the bible was the Old Testament reading from The Daily Office scripture readings. The Daily Office is the Episcopal/Anglican Church method of reading a brief Old Testament, New Testament, Gospel, and Psalm reading each day. Ecclesiastes which speaks of life being like a vapor reminded me of how short life is. It's like a vapor. We need to cherish and live in each moment and remember that life is a gift from God.
Psalm 23 - Early in the week, we shared this Psalm with mom from mom's New King James Bible. But as we began to read it, we all slipped into the old King James Version which is the version mom used as a child in memorizing this Psalm. In a very weakened condition, she was able to speak portions of this Psalm by memory. It was a holy moment for mom and the four of us to share in this well beloved Psalm together. It's a psalm that speaks of the Lord as our loving shepherd. The psalm also speaks of green pasures which reminded us of mom and dad's farm which meant so much to them. This is why we chose this psalm to be included in the funeral card that people received when they came to the visitation.
Isaiah 40:28-31 - I read this scripture to mom one morning this past week. It's a scripture that offers the promise that by trusting in the Lord, we will renew our strength, we will mount up with wings like eagles, we shall run and not be weary, we shall walk and not faint. We believe that mom is in a place now where this promise has been fulfilled for her. We also believe that it was the Lord who sustained us as we spent that difficult week with mom by her side.
Romans 8:31-39 - How could we not include this scripture during our time with mom? This is probably one of my favorite scriptures and one which my brother chose to read during one of our morning devotions with mom last week. Listen to this great word of promise and hope: "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth,nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us form the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." This is the hope that we have in our faith. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, nothing can ever separate us from God's love, not even death. Praise God!
Psalm 139:1-18 - Several years ago, when mom pre-planned her funeral arrangements, she asked for this Psalm to be read at her funeral. Probably the most famous part of this Psalm is, "For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well." In 2000, mom wrote a three page hand-written letter about her life which she gave to her children and grandchildren. This scripture was included at the end of that letter. We read this letter to our family the evening before the funeral. This letter was also read at her funeral.
John 14:1-4, 18-19, 25-27 - Mom's United Methodist pastor chose this as the Gospel reading at mom's funeral. This is where Jesus promises the disciples that even though he needs to leave them, that he is going to prepare a place for them. "In my Father's house, there are many dwelling places." Pastor Barry spoke of how mom was born in the house that she had lived all her life. Just as God provided mom a room in her earthly dwelling, God has also prepared a room for her in his kingdom.
What gave us great comfort when we were with mom last week was to know how important her bible was to her. She read it daily and took it with her to Sunday School and worship. The bible was her source of light and hope throughout her life. What a gift to hear God speak to us through his Word, especially as we go through times of transition.
No comments:
Post a Comment