Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it is to people who have been an integral part of our lives and church family. This week at our local church, we will gather to pay our final respects to two cherished members who have recently gone to be with the Lord. Their departure leaves an undeniable void in our community, stirring feelings of sorrow and loss. But as people of faith, we also bring thankfulness and hope into these moments, gathering not only to mourn but to celebrate the lives they lived, lives marked by love, selflessness, and a steadfast commitment to God and the service of others.

It’s often said that, “Nothing is certain except death and taxes,” a phrase popularised by Benjamin Franklin in 1789. While this may seem a rather grim reminder, it is nevertheless true. Scripture echoes this certainty in Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Both secular wisdom and the Bible agree that death is the one event in life that is utterly inescapable, cutting across all boundaries of age, status, or accomplishment.

Funerals therefore, have a sobering effect on us all. They force us to pause and reflect not only on the loss of those we love, but also on the brevity of our own time on earth. The passing of our church members serves as a deep reminder that everything we accumulate: possessions, achievements, even our routines, will one day be left behind. This realisation is not meant to be depressing, but rather to give us a renewed sense of purpose and urgency. What legacy are we building? How are we investing our time and energy? What will we leave behind for others when our appointed time comes?

For those of us who are Christians, the reality of death brings with it a different perspective. Yes, we grieve. Jesus himself wept at the tomb of Lazarus, showing us that mourning is a natural, even necessary, part of the human experience. However, we do not grieve as those without hope. Our faith rests on the unshakable promise that death is not the end, but rather a passage to a greater reality. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul offers words of comfort to believers:  
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”

This assurance radically transforms how we look at loss. For our two departed friends, we are confident that their absence is only temporary. One day, all who belong to Christ will be reunited, never again to be separated. This eternal hope does not diminish our grief, but it does add light to the darkness, reminding us that the story is not finished.

But funerals are also about the living. When we gather to remember the faithful, we are challenged by the example they set. The two members we will honor this week were not bystanders in the community of faith. They invested their time, talents, and love into our church, serving in ways both seen and unseen. They touched lives, encouraged others, and advanced the work of the gospel. In a world that grows more distracted and cynical every day, their steady service stands as a beacon of what it means to “redeem the time,” as Paul urges in Ephesians 5:16: “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” None of us knows how many days we have; what matters is how we use them.

This truth leads every one of us to a personal crossroads. It prompts the question: What are we doing with the days God has given us? Are we chasing after temporary things, or are we investing in what has eternal value? In our rapidly changing world, the temptation to be drawn away by distraction and compromise is ever-present. Yet, we are called to resist the pull of the world, to walk wisely, and to make every moment count for Christ.

One powerful way to add value to the world is by sharing the good news of Jesus with others. Our world desperately needs the light of the gospel—a message of hope, redemption, and purpose. As we remember those who have gone before us, let us resolve not to let their example fade. Instead, let it compel us to greater faithfulness, generosity, and love in all we do.

At every funeral, we are offered the opportunity to reset our priorities and renew our commitments both to God and to those around us. The race is not over for those of us who remain. There is still much work to be done, many lives to touch, and much love to be given. As Paul wrote near the end of his life, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

This week, we will be honoring the memory of our friends by following in their footsteps of faithful service. We have been called to  “redeem the time,” using every opportunity to do good, to encourage one another, and to share the hope that is within us. 

Someday, it will be our turn to say goodbye to this world. May we too, be found faithful, leaving behind a legacy that points others to Christ and an anticipation for the day when all God’s children will be gathered together, never to be parted again.