Military funerals are difficult. The age of the veteran doesn’t really matter. Each time family members gather to mourn the loss of a loved one there is incredible sorrow. Battle buddies, friends, and military leaders show up to share stories and give comfort. At the conclusion, rifles fire, taps play, Soldiers salute, and a family member receives a flag to remember the sacrifice and devotion of the departed veteran. These military customs and ceremonies honor the life and service of people in the armed forces, but they can also remind us of a difficult loss.
For many who attend a military funeral, death seems cruel, harsh, and final. That is how the disciples felt when they saw Jesus hanging on the cross. They were devastated. Death crushed them. There was nothing left for them. The last three years of following Jesus seemed to be for nothing. They huddled together in darkness, but then came the morning.
An empty tomb was discovered. The rock had been rolled away. Even the death shroud and linen wrappings were laying perfectly in place. Something miraculous had happened – Jesus was no longer there. He had risen from the grave!
In John 11:25 Jesus shares, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.”
Jesus not only is life, but conveys life to the believer so that death will never triumph over him or her. What once seemed final and devastating is now transformed into new life. Death is no longer the end. Death should instead be viewed as the gateway to our heavenly home. Since Jesus rose on the third day, we have the promise of life beyond the grave. The promise of eternal life through Jesus, the Son of God.
If you are hurting and suffering from a recent loss, allow the words of Jesus to strengthen and comfort you. A cemetery is where we remember lives lost, but it is not our final home. For those who have put their faith in Christ, Easter means that we will live in the presence of God forever.
God Squad 