things to learn from a funeral

this last week we buried a friend of Missio Dei.

Zhya is an amazing soul who is even now enjoying his JESUS.

here are some things i learned from his funeral this past sunday:

1) let's get it out on the table nice and early: life is extremely frail. none of us are promised tomorrow.

2) i need to tell those close to me that i love them more. can it be said enough? can they hear it enough?

3) people need to be hugged. there is something beautiful about human touch. words are important and needed, but the warmth of touch is irreplaceable.

4) the gospel must be reached at every funeral. people are keenly aware of the delicacy of humanity. their faces are turned toward eternity, even if only slightly. if JESUS is not preached in these moments how can we call ourselves ministers of HIS good news? any minister that does a funeral and does take advantage of the opportunity given should resign and go do something else.

5) you can see who people really are at times like these. facades come off. masks are done away with. some people i saw this week frightened me a little, others blessed me beyond measure.

6) 'be often where men die'. spurgeon said that and i understand why. as hard as last weekend was, i am better for it.

7) it reminded me again to preach every sermon as if it might be my last.

8) it reminded me to preach every sermon like it might be someone else's last

9) satan sucks. his power is real and he is dangerous. he wants to destroy all those in his path. he is not to be trifled with. we must pray often. we must put on the full armor of GOD. we must cling to JESUS.

10) Chicago must be won for JESUS. the sad truth is that people in this city die everyday. i am immune to statistics. this has made me feel again. may this wound sting long and hard. may it cause me to be not just a pastor, but a minister of the gospel of JESUS CHRIST. may GOD have mercy on our city.