Wilma Moore Service

Graveside

Portable Cassette Recorder

“Can we pray”

Bob came back

Uncle Loyal was in Vietnam

Aunt Wilma

She was talking to someone she couldn’t see….

Grieving Friends

Two Disciples….walking the road… trying to go forward

Luke 24:17 (NKJV): as you walk and are sad?”

Luke 24:15–16 (NKJV): Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.

Luke 24:21 NKJV

21 But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened.

Another translation said, “We had hoped...”

Speaking in the past tense...

Speaking in a frame of reference of death....

Death had invaded their community. Christ had been taken. Their present hope became past tense.

Walking away from Jerusalem they had left a tomb in despair.

I’m here to remove the “had” from “Hope”.

I’m here to tell you that as we walk away from this graveside — from the evidence of death - the hope of the ages walks with us.

Someone said, “We lost her” - No, we know where she is.

Someone said, “She left us” - It’s alright to leave if you have somewhere to go.

Her feet have hit Emmanuel’s land. - The blessed sod of God.

If she could speak, she would say, “This is a good day”.

It’s not “We had hope” .... We have hope!

Anchor of the Soul

Hebrews 6:19 NKJV

19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,

Allow me to remind you of the value of an anchor.

1. We have an Anchor

Anchors do not prevent winds and waves but an anchor holds us safely when the storm is raging. It is for our safety and security.

2. The anchor is sure

That is it is dependable and you can count on it to be useful to you when you need it the most.

3. The anchor is Steadfast

That word means our anchor is fixed and constant. It will not change in good times or bad times.

In Malachi 3:6 God said “I am the Lord, I change not.” Thank God We have a changless God in an everchanging world.

Revelation 22:16–17 NKJV

16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

Revelation 22:20 NKJV

20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Committal

Forasmuch as it has pleased God to take unto himself the soul of our departed friend, we bear her body here to the place prepared for it, that ashes may return to ashes and dust to dust and the imperishable spirit, refined by fire, may be forever with the Lord.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus,

Everything that is within reach has been done. But the end of our reach is the beginning of yours.

Watch over this place.

Bless this family that is left to wait, with a hope in their hearts for that great triumphant day.

Send us away to our work and to our homes in your love and grace.

Amen