"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life."

Ralph and Kathryn sat on the front row clutching each other with grief in their hearts, but a smile on their face. A few feet in front of them was a beautiful pine and cedar casket which had been lovingly crafted by a grandfather and uncle. There were hiking boots, walking stick, violin, back pack, canoe paddle, a tri-folded American flag and various other items which bore testimony of the life their 22 year old son, Joel had lived.

But Joel had died. He had died while climbing a mountain which he had climbed many times before. His was a life of such eager thirst for life and adventure that words failed to describe it. But words were all we had. Hundreds of people gathered in the sanctuary to pay their respects to Joel and also to lend support to Ralph and Kathryn, but it seemed impossible to say the words which would define the loss of one such as Joel.

As I read the words of today's Scripture, I think of Joel. There is no way that I could describe him as "hating" life. He not only loved life, he grabbed it by the throat and squeezed every drop of essence from it. He would rise early each morning with an anticipation of being outdoors to feel and touch what God had created.

Joel loved being out in the wilderness, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life, but he also cherished times of being in the inner-city of Chicago where he would talk with the homeless people of the street. He would take them into a café and buy them a meal, while he would only have a cup of coffee or nothing at all. He was truly an example of Godly living.

He would eagerly take students on outdoor adventures, with the aim of having them fall in love with what God had created. He delighted in sitting around the campfire with a group of friends, singing hymns of faith and commitment. He was in the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Wheaton College in Illinois. The commanding officer of that program commented that Joel was 100% and one of his finest men.

I have barely scratched the surface of all this outstanding young man was about. It seemed that he had a lifetime ahead of him and that his "love" of life would continue into old age. But now he was gone! The only thing which his family and friends have left are the memories of a "lover" of life. But wait! The idea of "loving" life or "hating" life, is different than we might think. Joel's life was set and established in Christ. He had died long ago when he gave his heart and soul to the Lord. The things which mattered most for Joel, were the things of eternal value. He is now more alive than ever before!

Ralph and Kathryn asked me to read the eulogy which they had prepared. I could not help but feel that there were scores of people in the sanctuary who dedicated themselves to step forward and pick up the torch from Joel. He was like a seed that had fallen to the earth and died--but in dying he will produce many precious seeds. 

Let me share a statement that his dad had written in the eulogy about Joel as a boy; “Joel would pack up his gear and trudge out into the woods near home, and, after having Dad inspect his camp, say ‘Good night Dad, luv ya, see ya in the morning!’ and spend the night by himself with no fear of the dark or danger.”

Those of our loved ones who have slipped the bonds of this mortal world may likewise be calling back to us, “Good night Mom, Dad, brother, sister, husband, wife, friend, luv ya, see ya in the morning!”  May we encourage each other with these words.

Blessings dear hearts.   Walk with God today and be a blessing.

. .Pastor Cecil