Dale Combs Funeral Closer Than We May Think

Combs - Order of Service:

Obituary Reading

Dale Combs of Franklin, Ohio age 85 passed away at home on August 31, 2019. Dale was born on Right Hand Fork in Viper, Kentucky in 1933 to his parents Judy (Caudill) Combs and Dee Combs. In his younger years, Dale worked in the coal mines and construction. He left Kentucky and came to Ohio to work at Armco Steele and retired from there after 35 years of service. Dale was a hard worker, dedicated and dependable, who never missed work. In 1956, Dale married the girl of his dreams, Eva (Branson) Combs, from Left Hand Fork on the other side of the mountain. Together they enjoyed traveling the country and visiting National Parks. Dale was proud to have visited every state within the US. Dale loved his immediate and extended family and spending time with them, including pig roasts in Hazard, beach vacations to the Outer Banks, picnic and holiday gatherings, children & grandchildren sports, events, and activities. He tended to his garden, was an avid reader, and enjoyed listening to bluegrass music. He was known for his big smile, kind heart, and a tad of stubbornness. He enjoyed a good heated argument around politics, especially with his son, Dan, and certainly wasn’t shy about sharing his opinion. Strangers were quickly drawn into conversation by his friendly nature, sense of humor, and easy laughter. He leaves behind Eva Combs his beloved wife of 63 years, a son, Sam Combs; daughter, Lesa (Chris) Irving; daughter in law, Mona (Dan) Combs; sister, Irene Swift; grandchildren, Misha (Dan) Premeaux, Josh (Stephanie) Combs, Megan (Isaiah) Blackburn, Eli (Brittany) Combs, Jake (Hope) Irving, and Luke Irving; great grandchildren, Brandon, Blaine, and Lexie Premeaux; Maddy and Tori Combs; Grayson and Dylan Blackburn; Nate, Roman, Branson, and Harper Combs. He was preceded in death by his son Dan Combs, sister Oma Farler, brothers Herbert, Dishmond, Henry and Dave Combs.

Scripture Reading

Psalm 23 KJV 1900

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 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

Jake Reading

My Dad

My dad was strong and solid. He was a real man – the kind I admire. He was hard-working with calloused hands to show it. He was a good man – trustworthy, dependable and probably the most honest person I know. If he said he was going to do something, you can bet he was going to do it. He was kind hearted, loving and protective. He treated everyone with respect and he expected you do the same. Even though he only had an 8th grade education, my dad was intelligent and wise. He loved to read, learn, and ask questions. I asked my dad often for advice because I knew he’d give it to me straight – anyone who knows my dad knows he wasn’t much for sugarcoating things. There’s really no question where you stand with him!

Did I mention he was stubborn? I think if you look that word up in the dictionary you’ll see his name listed there, maybe twice! Once he made up his mind, that was it. Oh, you can argue with him - and boy did we do a lot of that! There’s nothing more challenging and energizing that arguing with Dad. He and my brother Dan could raise the roof on politics! You’ve probably noticed we’re a loud family and if we’re passionate about it, everyone in Franklin would hear it! But we are just as loyal, because my dad loved us and protected us. He provided for us. He may not have given us what we wanted but he always gave us what we needed. Except for Sam…he’s the favorite so he got whatever he wanted.

The Future, Costly, Glorious, Just Rule of the LORD

Isaiah 24:1–23

(1) There is a worldwide judgment coming (v. 1 - 12)

(2) There will be a remnant (v. 13-16)

Seriously Dad and Sam have a special bond. Sam reminds me so much of Dad, as I watched him care for dad in the most intimate way in these last few months. It reminds me of times that dad has cared for us, and his brothers and sisters when they were sick or needed help. For a couple of guys that are pretty rough around the edges, they sure have a gentle, serving nature.

(3) The worldwide judgment is inescapable (v. 17-23)

Conclusions/Applications:

(1) The worth of the Lord's glory is priceless

(2) The necessity of man glorifying God is often overlooked

But ultimately my dad loved mom with his whole heart. He told me just a few days ago just how lucky he was to have her and how much he loved her. Their love for each other is such special connection that I will treasure in my heart forever. I know my dad loved me because he said it often. I am thankful that God gave me such an awesome dad, and I will miss him more than I can say. But above all, my heart rests peacefully in the knowledge that one day he’ll meet me at heaven’s door wearing that smile that I love so much!

(3) The mercy of the Lord is praiseworthy among all nations

(4) The excessive rebellion of mankind cannot be denied

(5) The Lord will absolutely & completely reign

Song #1

Pastor Gayle

Song #2

Message

Recessional

Introduction:

Illustration: Man at Stone Mountain - “Point of No Return”

Here, in this passage, it seems to point us to a man who is on his journey to destruction, if he doesn’t soften his neck.

The context is that of righteous rulers versus wicked rulers. Those who continue on without regard for reproof, will end in destruction that cannot be reversed.

Proposition:

The principle could not be more obvious. Reproof is something that should be heeded, so as to avoid certain destruction.

(1) Who is doing the reproving?

From the book of Proverbs, wisdom is being personified and would appear to be the one whose reproof is neglected -

(2) What do we learn about wisdom?

Wisdom wants to help the simple, the scorner and the foolish avoid destruction.

This also gives us insight into the nature of mankind. Mankind needs to be continually reproved, though his pride would lead him not to want reproof.

(3) Why is wisdom so persistent?

Wisdom is tremendously merciful, gracious, and longsuffering - “often”

This also gives us insight into the nature of mankind. Mankind needs to be continually reproved, though his pride would lead him not to want reproof.

Wisdom is so persistent because, by her reproofs, she is trying to prevent something far worse.

(4) What hope does wisdom give?

Wisdom promises her “spirit” to be poured out upon all those who repent (turn) at her reproof. -

This spirit will cause the recipient to know her words.

(5) What becomes apparent regarding wisdom?

She is often rejected.

This also gives us insight into the nature of mankind. Mankind needs to be continually reproved, though his pride would lead him not to want reproof.

Wisdom is often rejected by mankind. This leaves mankind in quite a hopeless state.

The OT bears out how hopeless mankind really is.

He needs someone to deliver him from this destructive journey.

Wisdom promises her “spirit” to be poured out upon all those who repent (turn) at her reproof. -

This spirit will cause the recipient to know her words.

(6) What can be done so that stiff-necked mankind could benefit from the spirit of wisdom?

(i) Someone would have to come as a Substitute - RIGHTEOUS LIFE

(ii) He would have to accept the consequence of stiff-necked people - ATONING DEATH

(iii) He would have to have the power to undergo and overcome the consequence - RESURRECTION

(iv) He would have to have the authority to have the spirit poured out upon all those whom He is substituted for.... - ASCENSION

This is precisely what Jesus Christ did.

(7) What has Christ done that makes him to be the wisdom of God to mankind? -

The stiff-necked decision that leads to remedy-less destruction is any decision apart from receiving the perfectly compliant one Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:

The beauty of is not that we avoid destruction by perfectly heeding any reproof. The beauty of is that Jesus Christ fulfilled it perfectly so that through his perfect submission, we could avoid a destruction that is truly without remedy.

Dale wait until the end of his life to make the choice, but he did. It was not his choice that paid for his sins. It is the object of his faith: Jesus Christ.

Illustration:

Little child crossing a busy street in another country. Cars going on the street almost hit him…a male figure picks him up near the end of the other side of the street and takes him away safely.

The real danger about all of this is that all of us are closer to destruction than we think. We are merely a heartbeat away from eternity. It is the better part of wisdom to accept Jesus Christ, the wisdom of God as your Savior. You are closer than you may think. Be sure that you have received Jesus Christ as your Savior. Only Jesus Christ can carry us to eternal safety.