Funeral - Halley Hodges

Death / loss is difficult, no matter the circumstances

2341 Nothing is so certain as death, and nothing is so uncertain as the hour of death.

Saint Augustine of Hippo

Scripture

Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows, the Lord may be gracious to me, that the child may live.’ But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me. –2 Samuel 12: 21-23 (NASB)

Introduction

David faced a difficult trial. Regardless of his actions, the son born to him by Bathsheba was dying. For seven days David fasted and prayed, laying in the floor, asking the Lord to intervene. However, that was not going to happen. Ultimately, the boy dies. Upon hearing the news of his death, David rallies himself, gets clean up and eats. His servants, confused by his sudden change of action, approach him to inquire.

“…I will go to him, but he will not return to me”

David understood two simple facts that we are reminded of during these times:

- Death is permanent

- Death is never “goodbye” for the faithful

Words to family

nothing will take Halley’s place