Funeral - Pat Johnson

Funeral for Pat Johnson

04.24.21

Welcome

Prayer

Obituary: Read Leanne’s Letter to her mom

Scripture:

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” ~ Romans 8:31

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” ~ Romans 5:1-5

Psalm 23

1The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Message: Finding Comfort in Jesus

When Pat was living at Legacy Point, I would walk over every Thursday and lead a chapel service. She was my most faithful attender! We would often talk afterwards…she always took notes and had many questions. She even started attending our worship services on Sunday mornings. I even had the honor of baptizing Pat by immersion. She told me that she couldn’t remember her baptism and wanted to experience it as an adult. It was one of my favorite moments.

For just a few moments, I want to share with you a few words from Jesus to help you say good bye to your mom, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. In John chapter 11 we have this interesting account of one of Jesus’ closest friends dying. Jesus shows up after his friend Lazarus has been in the tomb for four days. One of Lazarus’s sisters is there to meet Jesus. Listen to the exchange and see is we can find some encouraging words regarding those who are dealing with death.

21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

27 “Yes, Lord,” she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” ~ John 11:17-27

Jesus wants you to know that he is the resurrection and the life. Jesus wants to give this grieving sister hope…hope that those who put their faith in him will live again. Those who have put their faith in Jesus, even though they walk through the valley of the shadow of death, they will live. We know that what Jesus is telling us is true because just weeks after saying these words, that he is the resurrection and the life…well Jesus is crucified on the cross and on the third day he is resurrected from the dead. Pat put her faith in the resurrected Jesus and she is with him. What Jesus wants to tell you right now, as you say good bye to Pat is this: Believe in me. Have hope in tomorrow. This is not the end.

Throughout my years of ministry, I have discovered that God provides signs or ways to know that everything is all right with loved ones who have died. Earlier this week Mark shared a story with me about how this happened with his mom. In the days leading up to her death, a certain devotion from a devotional book at bee read to Pat. Later, Mark found his mom with her right arm extended upward. The nurses said that this is common. Later he was reading in the devotional this verse from Psalm 73:23-24

23 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.” ~ Psalm 73:23-24

Mark went on to tell me that that verse was used in the devotional on his birthday…and it was used on Cindy’s birthday as well. God has these helpful reminders to let us know that everything is alright.

After Jesus finishes talking with Lazarus’ sister Martha he moves out near the tomb where he encounters his other sister Mary. Listen to what Jesus says, but more than that listen to what he does.

32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

35 Jesus wept.” ~ John 11:32-35

It hurts so much to lose someone that we love. As much as you prepare, it is never enough, it never eases the pain of saying, “good-bye.” This is why we cry and grieve. But what Jesus wants you to know right now is this: “I understand.” Jesus is not some distant, non-caring, not understanding God. No! God understands what each of us is going through. Jesus understands the tears, the grief of losing a loved one. We cannot say in this moment: God you do not understand what I am going through! We can’t because Jesus understands. Not only does he know the pain of losing a loved one, he understands being lied about, cheated on, stolen from, betrayed, abused, stabbed in the back and murdered. Jesus knows our pain and he wants you to know that he is really, truly with you, right now and he understands, and he will be with you every step of the way. What Jesus wants to tell you right now, as you say good bye to Pat is this: Believe in me. Have hope in tomorrow. This is not the end.

Pray

Psalm 25 – Read by the Grandchildren

Closing – Music & Rose Ceremony.