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Articles
Five Words
Have you ever thought about any of the following questions – “How will I be remembered?” What will they say at my funeral?” What will be my lasting legacy?” Our lives on earth move so quickly that we rarely think about the end and its consequences. These thoughts may be considered morbid and unpleasant, but Solomon spoke of their sobriety to the living – “It is better to go to a house of mourning, than to go to a house of feasting, Because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart” (Ecclesiastes 7:2). The house of mourning reminds the living that our lives are not meant to last, but rather it is a time of preparation for eternity. The fate of man is sealed upon his death and there is great reward and hope to the one who dies in the Lord (Revelation 14:13). How will I be remembered?
The shortest funeral sermon found in the Bible was written in remembrance of one of its greatest characters – Moses. Moses was a faithful servant in the household of God. He brought the nation of Israel out of Egypt and led them during the forty years of wilderness wandering. Moses was a tremendous leader for Israel, but he failed to obey God’s will at the waters of Meribah (Numbers 20:8-13). Moses died and his life was remembered in five words spoken by God – “Moses My servant is dead;…” (Joshua 1:2a). These five words aptly summarized his life of faithful devotion and leadership of God’s people. Can these words similarly be used to remember our lives at the end?
“…is dead” - Death is the finality of all men. As Solomon wrote, “…Because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart” (Ecclesiastes 7:2b). Our lives on this celestial globe are not meant to last forever, but rather as a vapor, they appear for a little while and then vanish away. The allotment of time given to each of us may be different, but the manner in which we spend our time should all be similar. Our lives should not be given to the pursuit of this world and its goods, but rather should be completely devoted to faithful obedience of our Father’s will.
“servant” - There is no greater term to be remembered by God than servant. A servant is one who has completely emptied himself to the service of his God and others. The servant of God seeks to imitate the Father and the Son as the apostle Paul wrote the Ephesian brethren –
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma” (Ephesians 5:1-2).
Our service to God will never be able to repay the debt of our sin, nor the great sacrifice of His Son, but it does manifest a humble heart submitted to His authority. The faithful servant of God will be rewarded and can find great solace in God’s care for his life.
“My” - The fourth term of remembrance used by God refers to His investment in our lives. Our Father takes ownership of His servants. Our Father knows those who are His, and He has sealed those who are faithful. While we may suffer from physical ailments and various trials on earth, nothing can separate us from the love of God and His power to resurrect! The apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians – “For if we believed that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus” (4:14). In the day of judgement, when our bodies are resurrected will the Father take ownership of my life?
“Moses” - Finally, we come to the final term of remembrance in the Lord’s funeral sermon. My name is not Moses, but the Lord knows my name. He knows everything about me from the number of hair on my head, to every thought and intention of my heart. He knows me when I draw near to Him for strength and rest, and when I rebel and sin against His holy will. My Father knows me! This serves as a comforting thought of His grace and mercy, but also a frightening reminder of His righteousness and justice. I must be able to find purpose in living as a faithful servant of my God and King. Have I given everything in service to my Savior? When my life is over and I have breathed my last will I hear – “________________ My servant is dead.” Will I be found in the possession of my Father?
