Funeral

This man dies a quiet death. His family and friends would say that he had a good life despite what seemed to be an unsettled spirit within him at times. He was well liked, at times very inspirational, helpful to others, kind and well intentioned. The list of his contributions to society was not stellar but it was, again, well intentioned. Those that knew him the best would say that his death was inevitable, though everyone’s is, they would say they saw it coming. So, you get the picture. A good guy by earthly measures and standards. The part of the story that will come as a shock to you is that NO ONE comes to his funeral. There is no grieving, no procession, no ceremony, no wake, no burial, no cremation, no condolences, no crying,  no dinner and actually, no funeral. Nothing! No obituary…nothing. He just died a quiet peaceful death. So why did this man die without notice or event?

Because he didn’t die a physcial death. His death was of an old life and of an earthly life. It’s not a death as we know it but a “white funeral”. Huh? No one enters into the experience of entire sanctification without going through a “white funeral” – the burial of the old life.  If there has never been this crisis of death, sanctification is nothing more than a vision. There must be a death of the old life and the appropriate “white funeral” to accompany it. The “white funeral” has to occur out of the death and there is only one resurrection – a resurrection into the life of Jesus Christ. It has a singular purpose..to serve God. Not the will of an earthly life.

How many times have you flirted with a death of the old life? Walked around the cemetary, looked at your hole in the ground  but never could take your place in the cemetary? In order to have the “white funeral” we have to surrender and submit. Sl0ugh off the earthly ways and desires. To slough off the anxieties, fears, addictions, anger, resentment and other garbage is a BIG change and a leap of faith into eternity. I tell you I am ready to make this agreement with God. I agree with him that this is my last day on this earth and I share my “white funeral” with you as a testament that I can no longer manage  my earthly life. I have to submit and surrender permanently to God. The agreement comes now and you that read this are my the attendees at my “white funeral”. Yes, this is a big public proclamation as anyone with an internet connection and the ability to read english has the ability to persecute me. Of all the days in my life this one has the most significance to date because in a quiet hotel room in Columbia, SC I have surrendered to God completely. Please don’t send flowers…sing praises and if you want to sing a song…sing Amazing Grace and join me.