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OVER THE PAST  35 years, I have conducted over 500 funerals. When a memorial service concludes, it is the protocol for the preacher to stand at the head of the casket as the mourners pass by to pay their final respects. It can sometimes be uncomfortable for me because it feels like I am invading their private moment, so I usually take a few steps back to avoid intruding. Yet occasionally, I have still overheard some very touching comments.

ONE OF THE MOST impacting moments I witnessed was during a funeral that had not been particularly sorrowful. It was for a Godly 88-year-old man who died after a serious illness. His death had been expected, and since he and his family were strong Christians, his loved ones considered his passing a blessing. Compared to a funeral of a small child, the attendees were not sobbing or struggling to maintain composure.

AS I STOOD BESIDE the coffin, the elderly man’s family and friends filed past to say their final goodbyes. After nearly everyone had passed by, his 60-year-old daughter approached the casket. The daughter was a highly successful businesswoman, very poised, dignified, and much-respected in town. More importantly, she was a strong Christian who loved her dad dearly and took good care of him during his illness. She stood there for a few moments, gently patting her father’s folded hands. She then bent down, kissed his forehead, whispered,

“Nighty, night, Daddy. See you in the morning.”

THAT IS IT!  That is the ultimate hope of Easter! It does not matter how dignified you are, how much money you have, or how many people admire you. When death comes to a loved one, what really matters is the fundamental promise in Scripture that you likely memorized as a child:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

BECAUSE JESUS CONQUERED the grave, we have this everlasting hope that we will see our loved ones again on that great resurrection morning yet to come!

THAT IS WHY the resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in history. It gives comfort to the grieving, restores joy to the brokenhearted, and provides an ultimate purpose for every day.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” (1 Peter 1:3).

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,

Just because He lives!

And then one day, I’ll cross that river,
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory, and I’ll know He lives!