Chapter 30—Funeral
Jesus, the minister’s model, wept in the face of death—Christ
was a close observer, noticing many things that others passed by. He
was ever helpful, ever ready to speak words of hope and sympathy
to the discouraged and the bereaved. He allowed the crowd to press
round Him, and complained not, though sometimes almost lifted off
His feet. When He met a funeral, He did not pass by indifferently.
Sadness came over His face as He looked upon death, and He wept
with the mourners.—
The Upward Look, 57
.
Death, in the presence of the Lifegiver, is only temporary—In
clear, authoritative voice the words are spoken, “Young man, I say
unto thee, Arise.” That voice pierces the ears of the dead. The young
man opens his eyes. Jesus takes him by the hand, and lifts him up.
His gaze falls upon her who has been weeping beside him, and mother
and son unite in a long, clinging, joyous embrace. The multitude look
on in silence, as if spellbound. “There came a fear on all.” Hushed
and reverent they stood for a little time, as if in the very presence of
God. Then they “glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up
among us; and, That God hath visited His people.” The funeral train
returned to Nain as a triumphal procession. “And this rumor of Him
went forth throughout all Judea, and throughout all the region round
about.”—
The Desire of Ages, 318
.
A Christian’s funeral can provide a powerful witness for
Christianity—When we called at night we found the young man
very near his end. His mortal frame was racked with pain. We prayed
with him, and his heavy breathing and groaning ceased while we were
praying. The blessing of God rested down in that sick room, and we
felt that angels were hovering around. He was relieved a little, yet
knew that he was dying. He tried to have us understand that hope
lightened up the future, and that to him it was not a dark uncertainty.
We understood from broken sentences that he should have part in the
first resurrection, and then be made immortal. Said he, “Tell Bro.
Bates that I will meet him then.” His faltering tongue often spoke that
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