The funeral director couldn't be clearer. He was most adamant that the deceased's family demanded that I make no reference, passing or otherwise, to God, Jesus, or anything faintly religious. Without exception, they want nothing of that Almighty stuff. Neither prayers nor the 23rd Psalm. Forget Jesus. Leave Him home.
And this family wants me? A Christian pastor? Yes, because years before I had officiated at the service for some distant relative, some Uncle Carbunkle, that I had no memory of. Not a clue.
I'd known this funeral director for decades and always had a good working relationship with him. But these demands? What if I sneak in some off-handed reference and allusion to the Lord? What then? He said they would not be pleased and most offended, probably blowing their collective tops at him and me, while stopping payment on any well-earned honorarium. The gauntlet has been tossed my way. What to do?
Really didn't take any thought on my part. I repeated what the funeral director had said about this family being displeased with me if I made any reference to God. Was that what they said? Really? Yes, totally.
My retort was just as clear-cut. I said the following--if I don't mention the Lord during this funeral service, He'll be unhappy with me. Whose displeasure should I be most concerned about? Huh? Them or my Lord Jesus, who is the resurrection and the life? Any guesses?
I told him to find someone else, which I'd hoped he couldn't but he did. Shame on whoever. More for the almighty dollar than the Almighty? You think?
What's going through my mind can be found in Acts 4. Peter and John are told point-blank by the religious leaders to shut up about Jesus. Keep quiet about that crucified One and His Easter resurrection. Shut your mouth. Would they? Could they? Let's overhear what they said--'...Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard' (Acts 4: 19-20).
Now I'm no Peter or that other John. Not by any stretch of the imagination. But still, I can speak up for the Master. Gritting my teeth, being unphased by someone else's rebuking, threatening, and bullying, not denying Him even when shaking in my boots. Trying to please my Lord. Him first. Even at a cost. To delight Him most of all.
You can too, can't you? After all, He lives. Truly. Happy Easter!
Thank you, Jesus, that we can be bold for you. Amen.
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