Charlene Sizemore's Funeral

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It is with heavy hearts that we gather together today to celebrate the life of Charlene Sizemore. On behalf of her family, thank you, all, for attending.

A couple months ago, I had the opportunity to meet Charlene. While it was not in the most ideal of circumstances, it was certainly a divine appointment. A call had come to our church, asking for a pastor to make a visitation. The individual making the request was Charlene.

I have only been at the Fort Myers Church for 2.5 years, but I have quickly learned that this church is a big family. Members have deep roots, spanning years and decades. And Charlene was no exception. She knew many familiar faces at the church, and was so close to many of you attending. Charlene loved Jesus. Charlene loved being a disciple. And Charlene loved her church.

So when I had the chance to visit her at the rehab center, I was honored to have shared a brief moment with her. I had not met her in person before, but she was certainly familiar with me. Even in her condition, Charlene made time to watch church from home. We began to talk, and, let me tell you, Charlene was the sweetest. I walked out of that place grateful for people like her.

I was honored to have spent these moments with Charlene. In her voice and in her spirit was this beautiful presence of peace. She trusted in Jesus with all of her heart. And now, we know that she is resting in Jesus.

Our world is full of turmoil, hurriedness, and much death. It seems like there is no longer rest and peace for those around us. I am sure that many of us here are victims of this non-stop society. Thankfully, in the midst of our mourning, Jesus gives us words of comfort. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says these words:

Matthew 11:28–30 ESV

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden”

Isn’t this such great news? Jesus is literally telling us that those who are weary and tired are able to come to Him. The Savior of the World, the Long-awaited Messiah, the Son of God invites you and me into His presence. I know that the presence of Jesus was a familiar place for Sharlene. It is only in the presence of Jesus that we can develop such an amazing and peaceful character.

“And I will give you rest”

As an adult, I have been quickly learning that rest is a quintessential aspect of life. Without rest, we cannot properly function. We, as human beings, were not designed to be machines, working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Instead, we were built to participate in not just rest, but a divine rest.

This type of rest can only come from God. And, the amazing thing is, Jesus promises that He will give it to us. Divine rest is not an unattainable secret. It is a present reality in Jesus. Additionally, when our individual times on this earth are done, the Bible tells us that we can rest in Jesus, as well. This should bring us all comfort because we can say confidently that Charlene is resting in Jesus.

“Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

To be honest with you, when I first read this text, I had no idea what a yoke was. I grew up in the city of Los Angeles, far from any farm or rural-type of living. For a moment I thought that Jesus was talking about the yellow, gewie stuff in the center of an egg. But no, Jesus is referencing a common farm tool in His day.

For those of you who don’t know, a yoke is a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are to pull, making it easier for both animals to get the job done. So when Jesus is telling us to take upon His yoke, He is inviting us to not only cooperate with Him, but to also learn from Him.

This is such a beautiful promise. From my own experience, Jesus has carried me all the days of my life. Through every loss, every victory, every hill, and every valley, Jesus has held my hand. I know He’s held yours, as well. Charlene loved Jesus with all of her heart, and she has testified of Jesus’ power in her life. May we do the same, and trust in Jesus.

And as good as this all sounds, Jesus not only gives us rest now, but will give us ultimate rest when He comes again. Amen?

Revelation 22:20 ESV

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

The second coming of Jesus will be beyond anyone’s wildest dreams or imaginations. There will be no more pain, no more sorrow, no more hurt, no more division, no more death, and no more evil. On that day, families will be reunited. And we will be reunited with Charlene.

While it may seem that this day is taking forever to arrive, Revelation 22:20 brings me much peace. Notice, Jesus says, “I am coming”, and not “I will come”. You see the difference there? If someone tells you, “I will come”, it means that that they haven’t started their journey yet. It is something yet to happen. But, when someone says, “I am coming”, it means that they are actively making their way to you. (Not unless you are one of “those people” that tell your friends you’re on your way, but clearly still in your bed.)

This morning, Jesus is reminding us, that He IS coming. He is not sitting on the couch. He is not procrastinating at His work. He’s not laying down in bed. Jesus is actively pursuing you and I. May we listen to His sweet voice, and come to Him.

Amen.