In the home of Samuel and Zenna Jones, May 4, 1921 was a day of great celebration. It was the day they welcome John William Jones into their family. As they held their first born child their hearts were filled with hopes and dreams about the man he would one day be .Today, 91 years latter, it is May 4, 2012. Today we will gather for his memorial service. Those of us who knew and loved him will celebrate the man we knew him to be.
Ecclesiastes 7 says,”A good name is better than precious ointment.” When Samuel and Zenna chose the name John William for their son, that name held the dreams of who they hoped he would one day become. As gather we together 91 years later, we recognize that he gave his name the sweet fragrance we gather to enjoy. John William was a man of character, with a godly mind and life. The fragrance of his reputation was not only with men but with the God he served.
“And the day of death is better than the day of birth.” This seems like an odd verse. Papa and I talked about many things the day before he died. We talked about his age, the chief end of man, and Heaven. When we spoke of his age it was in the context of Psalm 90, “The length of our days is seventy years-or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.” When he was a very young child, Papa's mother had taught him to memorize the catechism. He never forgot, deeply routed in his soul and life was the truth that the main purpose of a man’s life was to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. It was the driving force of his life. The day of his death marked an end to the trouble and sorrow of life when God called him home.
“It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.” It is so easy to get caught up in the moment and loose the perspective of eternity. However, when I go to the house of mourning as I will today, it gives me a chance to think, to ponder, and consider the question, “When every thing has been said and done will my life be one that has brought God glory. Will I have made to choice to enjoy God forever?”
Lord, Your word says that the heart of the wise is in the house of mourning. As I prepare once more to go the house of morning, give me understanding grant me wisdom. Help me to remember that even 91 years when it is past, is but a breath of time. Please help me to live each day of my life with eternity in view. Today on Papa's 91st birthday Heaven is no longer a vision it is a view.
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