Life of faith makes facing death easier

Many of you know that, after a prolonged bout with cancer, longtime St. John member Norm Dietz passed away last Saturday.

What you may not know is that even in his death, because of his faith, Norm acted to care for his family. Norm did this by making plans for his own funeral, taking much of the burden for this difficult task from his family.

Actually, it was about 15 years ago that Norm started talking to me about his funeral. Norm knew he had some health challenges and wanted to make sure he didn’t leave this difficult task to his wife, Barb, and their children. So, Norm came and talked to me about music, about pallbearers, and other issues a person might need to decide for a funeral.

Helping to plan your own funeral is an incredibly caring act. When a family is grieving the loss of a loved one it can be a difficult time to make decisions about a funeral.

For example, which Bible readings should be used in a funeral? Which music? What kind of casket, or burial, should a family choose? Often a family wishes they could talk to their loved one about these choices, but it is no longer possible because they are gone.

Talking about a funeral might seem difficult and strange to some. No one likes to think of their own death. Today, more than ever, people often try to deny the reality of death. So, thinking about a funeral can be very difficult.

However, during his illness this year, Norm continued to talk to me about arrangements for his service. He discussed lists of pallbearers, and music and Bible readings.

But, one comment Norm made gave some insight into Norm’s faith, and helps explain where he found the strength to plan his funeral and to care for his family in this way. One day as I was visiting Norm and bringing him communion, he told me, “I don’t want my artificial leg in the casket… there are no cripples in heaven.”

Please think of what Norm said. He had no doubts about his eternal destination. Norm knew that because of Jesus’ saving death and resurrection, he would be in heaven. He knew that in heaven with Jesus he would be whole and the pains of this life would be gone.

Christians know that death will come in this life, unless Jesus comes again before that time. We know that death is the result of our rebellion and disobedience and sin. But, Christians also know that through faith in Jesus, God forgives our sin and saves us from death and punishment for eternal life in heaven.

Because Norm knew that God had heaven waiting for him, Norm was not afraid to face his death. He could think about his funeral and care for his family by helping in the planning of his funeral.

In 1 Thessalonians, Paul discusses this kind of assurance and faith. God caused Paul to write, “brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”

Do you hear Paul’s faith and confidence? It reminds me of Norm.

Yes, Norm, God does bring those who believe in Jesus to heaven with Him. No, Norm, “there are no cripples in heaven.” What a blessing that Norm’s faith showed in love that caused him to help his family.

Jonathan Rockey is pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer. Contact him at jonrock53@mtaonline.net.