The Rev Theory

Today I attended the funeral of a man that I did not know; actually the funeral of a man I had never even met.  The first time I ever saw this man was laying in his casket and dressed in his Army Uniform.

I went to this funeral to support my pastor who not only was preaching the funeral but who also was very close to the man who passed away.

And it’s interesting to me that while I didn’t know this man in this life; as I was sitting there in the funeral home chapel, I felt as though I had known this man for many years and I have an appreciate and respect for someone that I had never met.

Why?

This individual was part of “The Greatest Generation” and that alone earns my respect because he willingly offered his time and his life to fight for me and to defend the freedoms I enjoy as a citizen of the United States of America.

An Eagle Scout, a World War II Hero this Lt. Colonel served his country faithfully from 1941-1965.  But even more important to me than this man’s service to our great nation was the fact that this man was my brother in Christ.  He knew Jesus as his personal Lord & Savior and I hope, when the time comes, that we get to meet up in Heaven so that I can properly introduce myself to him and thank him for his years of faithful service not just to our country but also to our Lord’s church, specifically my home church.

As I pondered the numerous pictures on display of the Colonel’s life; pictures of he and his family and friends, pictures of him during his Army days from all over the world I felt like I was blessed with knowing this man.  As I looked at his Eagle Scout medal and saw the various objects representing His faith in the risen Lord, I knew he was a man of integrity and character on of the “Few Good Men” that Bill Gaither wrote about

“Men Full of Compassion, Who Laugh And Love And cry

Men Who Face Eternity And Aren’t Afraid To Die

Men Who’ll Fight For Freedom And Honor Once Again

We Just Need A Few Good Men”

This man was among the enlisted in The United States Army.  He was among those who saw battle time in war.  But this man is one who’s name was written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and who has received the crown of life that is promised to all who finish the race faithfully.  This man is now among the ranks of those who have heard “Well done my good and faithful servent.” And this amazing man has now met Jesus face to face and will forever spend eternity with the one who gave his life for his friends.

The Colonel was a man of great love because the Bible says that there is no greater love than when a man lay down his life for his friends and that’s what the Colonel did when he fought in World War II for our freedom.

May our loving Heavenly Dad comfort all those who grieve the loss of the Colonel and may we celebrate his home going to be with Jesus!

Amen!