Jody McSmith Service

Prelude

Introductory Remarks

We gather today in memory of Jody McSmith not only to honor her in death, but to remember her life. Jody would not want us only to be sad and grieved, but to remember her life. Let us take a moment to reflect on her life this morning.

Hymn - Amazing Grace

Scripture Reading

Isaiah 40:28–29 ESV

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.

Isaiah 40:31 ESV

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Romans 8:38–39 ESV

For I am sure 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 from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Invocation

Father, may Your Spirit guide us as we reflect on Your work in the life of our departed loved one, Jody McSmith, and in our own lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Time of Remembrance - Jesse McSmith

Concluding Remarks

I did not get to meet Jody, but from what little bit I have gotten to hear from her family and friends, she was a woman who loved her family, served her community, and followed her Lord.

Her children talked about her commitment to help anyone who was in need. She truly believed that we are all put her for the benefit and blessings of others and that we never know when we might be in a position that we would need the help and compassion of others.

She raised her family to be concerned for the needs of others. She also ran for public office for the county and even served as county manager for a few years. She was involved in the life of the community because she wanted to be a blessing to others.

When we pause to remember the life of Jody, we are forced to reflect on our own lives. What are our goals? What is really worthwhile and important?

Jesus, in the midst of a crowd of followers, turned to one man and said, “Follow me.” But the man said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” Jesus told him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:59-60)

Jesus is not telling us to neglect the burial of our loved ones, but He is teaching us what is more important, to love and follow Jesus. Jesus Himself wept at Lazarus’ grave, but He also knew it wasn’t the end of the story. We should not focus too long on death, but we should allow it to inspire us to preach life, life found only through Jesus Christ who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6).

Becky and Jesse both told me that their mother wanted to make sure to include a time of invitation for others to come and follow Jesus. Jody wanted us to know what is really important, that Jesus has come to redeem us and to call us to life in Him.

As we remember the life of Jody, we also need to remember that one day, everyone of us too will face death. The question is, are we going to be ready for it when it comes. Jesus came to defeat sin and death for us when He came and died upon the cross. But His gift of life and salvation is not automatic for us. it must be received by faith and repentance. Jesus is calling to each of us today and inviting us into eternal life by following Him. Anyone who has received His gift by faith has the assurance that death is not the end, but that we will have eternal life with Jesus. But if we do not receive Christ by faith, we will experience eternity separated from God in Hell. If Jody were here today, she would share with us the importance of following Jesus.

If you have never made that decision to follow Jesus, it’s not too late. Today can be the day of salvation and knowing that death will have no victory over you because of Jesus. If you are following Jesus, may Jody’s life inspire us to love our families and our communities by pointing others to the hope we have in Christ.

Invitation - It is Well

Prayer

Lord, help us to know what is most important in this life and to live for you alone. Comfort our grieving hearts and bless the memories of our dear loved one. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Benediction

Isaiah 41:10 ESV

fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

On behalf of the family of Jody, I would like to thank everyone for coming out to show your love and support for the family. The family would like to invite everyone to stay and join them for a time of fellowship as we continue to remember the life of Jody together. They have donuts and coffee in the fellowship hall for everyone.