Daily Devotional for March 23, 2023

When someone in our church does something above and beyond, I give them a free funeral (pastor part only). After being here so long, I’ve given away a lot of funerals.

Larry volunteers to drive one of the vans that bring children from the different school districts to our Wednesday afternoon programs.  He’s a saint so yesterday, I gave him a free funeral.

When I told Larry he had officially earned a free funeral, he said, “What good is that going to do me?  I will already be dead.”

This got me thinking.

One day Larry will close his eyes in this world for the last time.  When he opens them, he will see the beautiful face of Jesus.  The concerns of this world will fade into the past as Larry moves forward into God’s future because funerals aren’t for the dead.  Funerals are for those who are left to grieve.  Larry won’t be one of them.

The best biblical description we have of our true home comes from the Book of Revelation.  It says, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”  He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”  (Revelation 21:3-5)

When you die, you may not get a free funeral from your pastor but that won’t be an issue.  You will be in a much better place, and you will see the One that truly matters.  It will be a good day.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, thank you for sending Jesus so I can go to my true home.  I pray my life reflects my love for you.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

Knowing I needed to modify Larry’s gift, I told him if Rosalind ever contacts me about collecting on his free funeral, I would call him to let him know there was a problem at home.

He seemed very relieved, but it doesn’t end there.

As I walked by Pete’s office, I asked how many free funerals I had given him.  He was very proud to say I owed him six free funerals, but he was a little concerned because they weren’t transferable.  I explained I would have to bury him six times.  It was going to be a very long day.  

He seemed very relieved, but it doesn’t end there.

When George came up to drive one of the vans, I asked him how many free funerals I had given him.  He beamed a huge smile and said, “Three.”  Then, seeing the confusion of Janet and Howard’s faces, George said, “They are to die for.”

Yep.  That’s the kind of church I serve.  I love it.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins