Norma Enerson Funeral

Introduction:

We gather here today to mourn the loss of our dear friend, mother, grand mother and great grandmother, but more importantly, we gather to remember and celebrate the life that was lived long and to the fullest and even more that eternal life that is now fully realized in Christ, for Norma. In times like these, we find comfort and hope in the words of Jesus and the promises of Scripture. Today, in John 10:7-18, Jesus declares Himself as the Good Shepherd, and to 1 Corinthians 15:50-57, Paul proclaims the victory over death that is ours through Christ.

I. Jesus, the Good Shepherd (John 10:7-18)

In John 10, Jesus speaks to His disciples about His role as the Good Shepherd. He says, "I am the gate for the sheep" and "I am the Good Shepherd." These words are filled with assurance and hope, especially in moments of grief and loss. Jesus is telling us that He alone is the one who provides access to eternal life, and He is the one who protects, guides, and ultimately lays down His life for His sheep.

Jesus’ declaration, "I am the Good Shepherd," is a reminder of His deep, personal care for each of His followers. He knows His sheep by name, and they know Him. This intimate relationship between the Shepherd and His sheep is a powerful image of the relationship Jesus desires with each of us. It’s a relationship marked by trust, love, and security.

One of my last times visiting Norma she was signing as I approached her, and somewhat recognizing me she asked me to reminder of what the name of the song was that she was signing. Unfortunately I did not know the song, but as we talked and visited, we come to the end and as we prayed the Lord’s Prayer she knew every single word. While she struggled to remember the name of the song she was signing, she knew the Lord’s prayer, she knew her savior, the good shepherd.

As the Good Shepherd, Jesus lays down His life for us. He willingly went to the cross, bearing our sins, so that we might be forgiven and have eternal life. His sacrifice was not just for a moment in history; it was for all time. It was for each of us here today, and it was for the one we have lost. Jesus laid down His life so that death would not have the final word.

II. The Promise of Eternal Life (John 10:10)

In verse 10 of John 10, we are reminded of what Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." The life Jesus offers is not just a temporary reprieve from the challenges of this world, but an abundant, eternal life that begins now and continues forever. It’s a life lived in the presence and protection of the Good Shepherd.

For those who trust in Jesus, death is not the end. It is a passage into the fullness of life that Jesus promises. This is the hope we hold onto today. Though we mourn for Norma, knowing we continue on in this life, we know that she is not lost but has passed from death to life, from the temporal to the eternal. Jesus has kept His promise, and our loved one now enjoys the fullness of life in His presence.

III. Victory Over Death (1 Corinthians 15:50-57)

As a reminder to this 1 Corinthians 15, the Apostle Paul gives us a glimpse of the incredible hope we have because of Christ's resurrection. He reminds us that "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable." But he also declares that there is a great transformation awaiting those who belong to Christ.

Scripture tells us, "The trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed." This is the ultimate victory over death. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, death has been defeated. It no longer has the power to hold us. "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" Paul asks. The sting of death has been removed, and victory is ours through Jesus Christ.

This victory over death is not only a future hope; it is a present reality. To which Norma now experiences the full reality of that victory. The perishable has put on the imperishable, and the mortal has put on immortality. The suffering, pain, and struggles of this life are over, and what remains is the joy of eternal life with Christ.

IV. Living in the Hope of the Resurrection

As we remember and honor the life of Norma, we do so with the hope of the resurrection firmly in our hearts. We grieve, but we do not grieve as those without hope. We know that death is not the end, but a transition into the glorious life that Jesus has prepared for us.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, has led our loved one through the valley of the shadow of death and into the green pastures of eternal life. And because of His victory, we too can face the future with confidence, knowing that nothing—not even death—can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Conclusion:

As we close, let us remember that the words of Jesus and the promises of Scripture are not just comforting ideas; they are the very foundation of our hope. Jesus, our Good Shepherd, laid down His life for us, and through His resurrection, He has given us victory over death.

May we find peace in knowing that along side Norma and all who have gone before us in the faith now rest in the Good Shepherd, safe and secure in His eternal care. And may we, as we continue our journey here on earth, holding fast to the hope of the resurrection, looking forward to the day when we too will experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises.

Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.