John Byzet Funeral Remarks, 8.14.21

(Welcome, Scripture, and Prayer)

On behalf of Ann and the rest of her family I want to say thank you for being here today.

Funerals are hard, but they are also a gift to us. They gives us an opportunity to do what Paul instructs the church to do in the book of Romans.

Romans 12:15 (CSB) says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.”

As Christians we gather together today to rejoice and to weep. John’s life and his death have given us each times of joy, and his death has left us all in a place of grief and sorrow.

To Ann, family, and close friends. I have found through John’s sickness that family blurs the lines with friendship in his life!

1. I am sorry, he was a great man and friend

2. I am praying for you and here for you, and so are the rest of those who are present today

3. We all have an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to Ann and her family

I am so thankful for the weekly moments that John and I shared at Harrisburg. He was so good to me and encouraging to me. He was funny, straightforward, and committed to the gospel. His love for Ann was present in all that he said about her, but more than that in the way he cared for her and treated her. Ann and family you have been blessed to have him in your life. My hope this afternoon is to provide some comfort for you as you walk through this valley and through the shadow of death.

Psalm 23 (ESV)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Even 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.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Never forget that our Father in heaven is walking with you. He is there to guide you, protect you, and provide for you. You can trust Him to be good and gracious to you in all things. I and so many others are here for you. But, we cannot replace or come close to providing for you what God has through Christ.

Turn to Him with your grief, point to Him in your conversations, and trust Him as you continue following Him as a Christian.

Laugh, cry, remember, celebrate, and relish all of your memories and feelings. The loss is so great because John was so great. It is right and good for you to miss him in every way. But, as you grieve don’t forget the hope we have in Christ, and don’t forget that Jesus is the rock. You don’t have to be rock for one another, just point one another over and over again to the one who is the cornerstone of the church and the rock of your faith- Jesus Christ,

Prayer