Genesis 23 is the simple telling of the end of Sarah’s life at age 127 years, and her burial in the cave of Machpelah which Abraham purchased as a burial ground. I say “a simple telling” but how much we share with Abraham as we also deal with the death of our friends and loved ones.

As I attended the funeral service of my friend Dr Eric Livingston on Monday, I was reminded of the nullifying effect of death, and also reminded that death is an enemy and was never a part of God’s original or ultimate plan for the human race!

Eric was very practical helper in the community wherever he went. I have a very clear mental picture of him on a plank between trestles, working away all alone, painting the Tenterfield Church hall.  He wasn’t asked to do it – he simply noticed that it needed doing and asked if he COULD do it! And he wasn’t even a member at Tenterfield! Eric was a great scholar of the word of God but his feet were on the ground and his head was not in the clouds! But now his life has ended at the age of 70 years and I think to myself: what a dreadful tragedy that is for the cause of God and what a tragedy for his family to have to endure!

However!! There is a happy ending to this painful reality called death! Every time a funeral takes place we see the letters R.I.P and we understand that to mean Rest In Peace! Eric IS resting in peace just now and perhaps the words of a song the Lord gave me earlier this year might help someone else who is waiting for death to be cancelled at the coming of Jesus!

Have a great day!

Sleeping in Jesus!

Safe beyond the cares of life, rests our faithful friend

Now he waits in sweet repose, for Jesus to descend

No pain or toil or stress of life, disturbs his quiet sleep

Soon Jesus comes in majesty, His promises to keep

He’s sleeping in Jesus! Safe from all care!

Soon we will see him!  Together we’ll be there!

Through his life we saw how God, transforms an erring soul

And makes of him a blessing with Jesus in control

And though we’ll miss his cheery smile and kindly, caring way

We’ll not despair, but now prepare to see him that fair day

He’s sleeping in Jesus! Safe from all care!

Soon we will see him!  Together we’ll be there!

Oft’ we heard him singing, of Christ’s amazing grace

Oh! How he earnestly desired, to see Him face to face

For him now, it will only seem, but just a moment’s time

Till his eyes open to behold, His Saviour just sublime!

He’s sleeping in Jesus! But we do not dare,

slumber while tarrying!! ‘Cause soon we’ll all be there!

Barry Satchell 12/6/2016