I attended two funerals yesterday. The services themselves were brief and resolute. There were only four attendees including myself who came to bear witness.

For necessary background details, the deceased successfully achieved every facet of what they had been purposed to do. They wore sheep’s clothing and whispered shallow and unsanctioned promises. The now lifeless toiled night and day to meet their objectives. They worshiped and sacrificed at ungodly altars. The enemy disregarded the innocent and quietly reveled in their acts of deception and destruction. The wickedly departed operated within their skillfully-crafted schemes seeking to steal joy, to kill covenant, and to destroy purpose. 

Their home-going…or should I say, their hell-bound services, were delayed for a few notable reasons. As the defunct lay on a cooling board, the grieving process of the tormented had been interrupted. I would dare to say that the season of mourning had been prolonged unnecessarily, however that sentiment would be a lie straight from the pits of Hell. There is no posterity to be found in holding onto thoughts or works of the hands that are not rooted in God’s purpose.

In continued transparency the enemies’ web had been meticulously cultivated, carefully woven within their well-attended garden insomuch that lies appeared true. Oh, but for God! Even in that dark, protracted season, God used it all for the good. Our all-knowing Father, who presides from everlasting to everlasting, wastes no moment, no wilderness, no valley, no fiery furnace, nor the belly of a whale to minister to His children!

And as I stood by the now closed graves with their gaping mouths full of cool, dark earth, I no longer endeavored to carry their burdensome weight. It was not until the desire to be tethered to the emotions, the thoughts, and the resulting memories had died, could emancipation become manifest. The iron bars shattered, and my soul was freed. The shackles have been broken. My heart is as light as a feather. The scales have fallen from my eyes. My steps are ordered only by my Father in Heaven. 

Oh, yes! Whom did I put down yesterday? None other than the spirits of offense and idolatry. The spirit of offense presents as self-righteousness, perceived sinlessness, pride, and harboring unforgiveness. The Word of God reminds us to forgive so that we may be forgiven. Idolatry reigns when any person, place, or thing is placed before God. Do we not know that we serve a jealous God who instructs us as believers to place no other god before Him. 

And who were the three other attendees at these home-going services? God, Jehovah Rapha, my healer and my rock was present. Jesus, the righteous branch that sprouts from David’s line, was in attendance. And Holy Spirit, who is my teacher and my Comforter, held my hand.

To God be the glory!

Amen.