Why?

It’s the question we ask at times like this. When faced with the death of a loved one we ask the question of “Why?” It comes to us in the form of so many questions.

Why did they die?

I knew it was coming and yet I wonder “Why is this grief so profound?”

I’m a person of faith and I believe in heaven and knowing her faith I still find myself asking Why?

Or perhaps I’m not a person of faith and I don’t believe in heaven though I know that was her faith, and still I’m asking “Why?”

Why so soon? Why so long?

Why do we gather to remember, to celebrate, to mourn?

Why?

We know that death is part of the cycle of life, but it still shocks us. The grief of such a loss still hurts. Why?

We have gathered here in this place of worship - some of us would consider ourselves Christian and such a place is very familiar, and for others this place, the rituals here and the surroundings are very unfamiliar- and yet we gather here. Why?

I’ve thought a lot about this. I’ve searched the Bible for answers and I’ve come to one conclusion.

Well maybe two, no really one.

Death is not right.

Life was intended to be everlasting. It was meant to be lived in relationship with the author of life - the One God, Creator and sustainer.

Most of us know the story if not from the Bible from our own lives, though we try as we might, we all turn from God in different ways and make ourselves the center of our universe. In so doing we separate ourselves from God and the result is death. And we’ve all done it.

But God loves us so much that God made a way for us. Most of us here have heard the words of :

John 3:16

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

John 3:17 ESV

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

That’s the promise God gives to each and everyone of us. Jesus isn’t in the business of condemnation but he is our saving grace sent from God himself.

So back to our question, “Why?” Why do we mourn, why do we grieve, why doesn’t this feel right? Because it isn’t. The remedy though is Christ, the promise that Marilyn knew so well:

& 28 read:

Hebrews 9:27–28 The Message

Everyone has to die once, then face the consequences. Christ’s death was also a one-time event, but it was a sacrifice that took care of sins forever. And so, when he next appears, the outcome for those eager to greet him is, precisely, salvation.

So after we’ve asked all of our questions as to why, it brings us to the question of, “When?”

Peterson, E. H. (2005). The Message: the Bible in contemporary language (). Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.

So after we’ve asked all of our questions as to why, it brings us to the question of, “When?”

In attending a memorial, or funeral, two things should happen.

You remember and celebrate the life of the dear one now departed.You reflect on your own life.

In reflecting on our own life we have to ask, “When?” And “Am I ready?” In speaking with Marilyn during these past months of an ordeal one thing was abundantly clear. She was ready. She knew she needed a Savior and better than that, she knew the Savior Jesus. She recognized it was not by her works that she would be granted into heaven, it was through the gracious love of God the Father that had been demonstrated in Jesus’ death on the cross. Her indiscretions, her mistakes, her doubts, had all be washed away. Jesus paid the cost of those on the cross.

I have had the opportunity to walk this road with many - and I can tell you I was inspired by Marilyn. She walked this road of the last chapters of her life with grace, dignity and faith. And so today is a celebration, we’re having a party, this is a service of witness to the resurrection.

Romans 8:38–39 ESV

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.