Dennis Albert Meyer Sr

Introduction

Today, we gather to celebrate the life of Dennis Albert Meyer Sr.

A husband, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather, a friend who loved others in a way that made them feel that they were part of his family.

When we think about the legacy of this amazing man, we have no doubt the impact he made in all of our lives has not only benefited us, but will benefit the generations to come.

It was Peter Strople that said, "a legacy is not leaving something behind for other people, but leaving something behind in other people."

I am certain the wisdom, love, and care that he has invested in us will live in on in us.

I come from a small family, only knowing my mothers side, which I sometimes thought was a disadvantage.

Although I only knew one Grandma and Grandpa by blood, I certainly felt loved and cared for by Grandma and Grandpa Meyer as if I was their own.

It was all the Meyers by the way who invested in my life, which helped make me who I am today, and I am sure that this a testament to how they were raised and the impact both Linda and Dennis had in their lives.

I can remember as a kid telling my mom that Grandpa cooked me some snake, which is what he said he was cooking on the grill, which now that I think about, I hope was actually steak.

He was known for his sense of humor and as Jane mentioned, he told dad jokes before they were even a thing.

Today, I lack the words that would do justice to even begin to describe what an incredible person he was, but I know if I was able to find them, I would only be preaching to the choir.

The Mystery of Death

Death is often a great mystery to us, especially when we lose somebody that is so near and dear to our hearts, which brings with it many emotions and reflection on our own lives.

I am sure we all have laid in our beds at night thinking about this topic, often accompanied by fear and anxiety.

Why does this even happen we may think?

If God is good and loving why do we die and lose the people we care about?

As a preacher of the Gospel, it is my job to tell you about this and what God has done for us.

It all started in the Garden of Eden.

God had made the whole world and everything in it and he said that it was very good.

At this point, there was no death.

God told Adam that he could eat from any tree but one and the day that he ate of it, he would surely die.

While Adam did not die physically the day he ate of the fruit, he died spiritually because his sin created hostility between God and him.

Adam did eventually die physically and so do all of his descendants after him.

Through Adam our forefather, we inherit his condition of sin and death.

The Cause of Death

As we he have seen in Adams case, the Bible tells us in Romans, the wages of sin is death.

Because we all inherit Adams nature, we all sin and face the same consequences as him.

God is Holy and perfect which is the reason why He hates sin, and our very nature in Adam creates a separation between us and God.

The Love of God

The story doesn't end this way friends

We read in John 3:16 that God so loved the world, that he sent his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him may not perish but have everlasting life.

We can have great hope and confidence in the face of death through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Although God hates sin and has promised judgement upon those who do it, he has also provided us ONE WAY to avoid it.

Jesus Christ enters the world, completely God and completely Man and keeps the law of God perfectly, something that nobody has ever been able to do.

When Jesus goes to the cross and dies, he takes the judgement of God that was reserved for us, in our place.

Jesus calls himself the way, the truth, and the life because through our faith in Him, we are forgiven of our sins and made right with God.

Just as sure as it was that Jesus rose again on the third day, so certain is the fact that all who believe in his name pass on from death in this world to eternal life in the next.

The Bible tells us that through Jesus’ work on the cross, hell and death have been conquered.

This problem that started with Adam that we all have inherited has been cured by the Love of God through Jesus work on the cross.

Application

The next time we think about this topic of death, we need not fear and fall into despair but simply look to Jesus who has conquered this once and for all.

We read in the Scriptures that we are more than conquerers through Him that loved us.

Many of you have probably heard this message and believe it.

Others may have never have heard it.

I urge you wherever you stand, to call upon the name of Jesus for he says in the Scriptures, whoever comes to me I will never drive away.

Many of us here are sad and hurting today.

Jesus addresses this in the Bible when he says, “"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

We also read in the book of Revelation day is coming where he will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. For the old order of things has passed away.

As we close today, I would like to read the 23 Psalm.

As I read this Psalm, Notice the rest and comfort that David finds in the Lord in the most challenging of times.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Prayer

Please join me in prayer.

Dear God, Heavenly Father.

We come before you today with heavy hearts as we remember the life of Dennis Albert Meyer Sr.

We praise you for the time that you have given us with him and the man you created him to be.

I ask that you would be with us during this time, that you would provide comfort, that your peace would be in our hearts, that we would begin to comprehend the love you have shown for us in Jesus.

Let us be in encouraged that the pain and suffering of this world is only temporary.

That you prepare a place for us in your kingdom where you tell us the terrible things we deal with in this world will no longer be present.

I would like to ask that you would bless the Meyer family, each and every one of them, that you would give them the courage they need to continue on in this life without someone who was been an important part of their family for so long.

I pray that everybody hear today would recognize that although we are going through hard times now, we can find hope and peace through your son Jesus.

Thank you Lord,

In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.