Funeral Sermon for Ray Snodderly

I met Ray several years ago while pastoring the church he attended with his daughter Linda. In fact, I remember him well because he sat right behind me during the first service.

It didn’t take me long to see that Ray was not only Linda’s dad, but her best friend.

As we turn to the scriptures for comfort, the Lord impressed upon me 2 Timothy 4:6-8 “6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”

In these verses, Paul takes three looks concerning life. The first look is the downward look. The downward look comforts us because Ray knew his impending situation.

1. The downward look(6)

2 Timothy 4:6 “6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.”

a. Ray understood that we all have to face death.

b. Ray understood the reality of his Appointed time-Kairos

d. He also knew her need to be saved from his sins before his appointed time

e. He gave his life to Jesus at a young age. He was baptized in a creek in Bluejacket, Oklahoma

We also find comfort in Paul’s backward look. It reminds us that Ray lived his salvation

2. He lived his salvation (7)

2 Timothy 4:7 “7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Hebrews 11:1 “1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Hebrews 11:6 “6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

a. A Backward look

He lived out his faith, and it’s greatest evidence is found in how he took care of his family.

He took his children to church. He took care of his family throughout the years.

Reflecting upon his life brings comfort, knowing he lived out his faith. The third look is the upward look. It comforts because it tells us that Ray knows his Savior.

3. He knows his Savior

2 Timothy 4:8 “8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”

a. Upward Look

c. A better

i. Inheritance

ii. Fellowship

iii. No sin, sickness, suffering

iv. Reward-Jesus

One of Linda’s childhood memeries was coming home home from school. Ray got off work before they got home and he always had a candy bar for them when they arrived home. They couldn’t wait to see what kind of candy bar Ray had for them. Ray recieved something far greater than a candy bar when he arrived home. He received what he lived for, his savior Jesus Christ welcoming him home with the crown of life, saying well done.

And with your final heartbeat Kiss the world goodbye Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and Fly to Jesus Fly to Jesus Fly to Jesus and live!