Zack Harris Funeral

Song “Go Rest High On That Mountain”

Stand and go to the podium

Pray

Welcome and thank you.

Zack C. Harris, age 40, a native of Cordele, passed away in Baltimore, MD.  He was the son of the late Wallace Freeman Harris and his surviving mother, Angela Joy Johnson Harris of Cordele.  Zack was a charismatic person.  He was charming with a magnetic personality that drew many friends.  He was a carpenter by trade and therefore very good with his hands.  According to his mom, he could repair, build, or make and design anything.  He was a member of the Baptist Faith.  He is not only survived by his mother, but also one brother, Logan Harris of Cordele.

I would like to thank you on behalf of Zack’s family for being the hands and feet of Jesus and loving on this family in this time.

Sit down

Song “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”

Stand and go to the podium

As I sat with Miss Angela and Mr. Logan yesterday I quickly realized that today’s memorial service was going to be bitter sweet. Nobody in here will argue that Zack will be greatly missed. And it’s a sad day when you loose someone that was loved as much as Zack was, but that’s not where we’re going to rest. From where I’m sitting and the family would agree, Zack will be remembered for so much more than his past mistakes. Zack will be remembered for how big he loved. Sure, we all have setbacks and struggles and Zack’s were no different. But to know Zack, was to love him. As I sat with Miss Angela and Mr. Logan it was obvious that Zack had a miraculous turn around in 2019 at Bridges of Hope. That was were Zack found Jesus and forever sealed his destination for eternity. Zack gave his life to Jesus and was baptized that year. Does that mean he didn’t still struggle. Certainly not. You see, when we come to Jesus, our new life begins. But before I talk about his new life, allow me to tell you some of the old memories of Zack. The memories we must hold onto.

Zack was a magnetic and energetic person who never met a stranger. He loved his people well and didn't judge people based on their outward appearance or status but rather by their authenticity and love. He was always up for any adventure and loved to travel. He travelled all over the country by bus and made friends with so many people along the way. He was so smart, and he loved good books and good music! Always quick with a joke or to entertain his friends, he could bring a good time feeling to any gathering he attended. Magnetic, outgoing, and full of life are the best words to describe him! He loved and was loved by so many. When he was healthy he loved well and attentively. He was an excellent chef and brought many people together for a good time over the grill with music always playing in the background. He loved the Allman Brothers and Otis Redding and old classic rock and country.

He was a hard worker and capable carpenter and his co-workers and friends loved hearing his renditions of his favorite old songs like "These Arms of Mine" by Otis Redding. He was such a special soul for so many reasons...gone too soon, and he will be forever missed!

We know that Zack is in a better place and that is where we must all find rest.

In 2019 Zack came as he was. He laid down his burdens and his past mistakes. He found comfort in a community of believers at Bridges of Hope. He found a place that accepted people no matter how jacked up they were. And it was there that he found Jesus. Praise God for that.

In Job 14:14 Job asked the question, “If a man die, shall he live again?”

The Word of God is abundant and clear in answering this question.

John 11:25 NKJV

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

Let me explain to you what happens when a Christian dies?

We leave our bodies and take up residence somewhere else.

Death is not the end of life.

At death we don’t leave home, we go home! What we need to understand about life is that it is a temporary assignment!

And it doesn’t stop there, it gets better.

It says we gain a better home.

John 14:2–6 NKJV

2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And where I go you know, and the way you know.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Death is a decided fact, a defeated foe, a delightful friend.

I hesitate for a moment to call death a friend, but it’s the truth.

Death for the believer is just transportation to heaven.

2 Corinthians 5:1–2 NKJV

1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven,

to the Christian, death is nothing more than a change in the environment

Often doctors will tell patients to move to certain locations because where they are now, affected them physically!

Hey, this is what the Great Physician does, and Zack would want you to know this.

The year of death is the year of release for the Christian.

Release from pain, sorrow, sickness, and worry.

When Zack breathed his last he was immediately ushered into the presence of God Himself

2 Corinthians 5:8 NKJV

8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

What a thought!

Paul gave what I call the Christians view of death in:

Philippians 1:21 NKJV

21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

We don’t just die and go no where. You spent eternity somewhere!

Zack would want you to understand this!

We are not promised tomorrow!

Though death appears to be the enemy and in truth, is feared by most, we believe death is nothing more than a ride home.

Zack got a ride home.

This doesn’t have to be goodbye, just goodnight.

Zack would want me to ask you, “Are you prepared to meet Jesus?”

Let us pray

Give invitation

Sit down

Song “Scars In Heaven”

Closing Prayer