Doug Matthew Memorial Service

Introduction

We are here today to celebrate the life of Doug Matthews. On behalf of the family, I want to thank you for your attendance here.

Your attendance is a tribute of Doug’s life and legacy.

I know they are grateful and encouraged that you are here.

When we walk through difficult moments in life, we can find rest and a sure foundation when the rest of the world is reeling. And we find that rest and foundation on the pages of Scripture and in the presence of our God. I want to take some moments to read Scripture and pray as we begin our time together.

Scripture

Revelation 21:1–6 ESV

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.

Words of Comfort

I read this passage with the end in sight, because from this passage, we can find hope. We can find hope in loss and in our brokenness and in our grief and in our heartache.

One day, there will be a final funeral. In fact, it will be the funeral to end all funerals. And that funeral will be for death itself.

At that funeral, there will be no more crying or pain or loss for the former things have passed away. God is making all things new.

Christ has made a way for us to have eternal life. And as he trampled death, grants us a way to defeat it as well.

Prayer

Lord, we thank you for Doug and for his life.

Lord, we ask that you would be with Ethelwyn and the rest of this family as they grieve.

Lord, in moments like this, we cling to the cross, because the cross is all that we have.

Help is to find joy even in the worst of moments, because you grant us a joy and peace beyond what our hearts can fathom.

In Jesus name I pray, Amen.