In the classic Isaiah text of Handel’s Messiah we her, “Comfort ye, O comfort ye, My people.” With the following story I intend to do just that.
I was recently flown to Annapolis, Maryland to conduct a funeral and graveside service for my Aunt Mary Lou in Hanover, Pennsylvania. The old town funeral home was in a beautiful old house with cramped quarters for the actual service. My cousins repeatedly expressed lavish gratitude for me doing the services, especially since they knew me and I knew their mother. I later had a conversation with my college age nephew about eternal matters. I believe Jesus is the first face we’ll see when entering heaven, because He knows us and we know Him. I also believe, based on testimonies rather than Scripture, He will be surrounded by family and closest friends whom we know. During that conversation I think I just connected the proverbial dots: maybe He and they are the first persons we meet (again) primarily because they know us so well and that brings such comfort.
Just as we prayed in Aunt Mary Lou’s funeral from the Twenty-Third Psalm regarding fear-inducing great unknowns, “Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.” Thank You, Lord!
From My Heart,
Rev. Jeff Garrett