To Be Absent From the Body, and to Be Present With the Lord!
For the entire month of May, the Powerzone Ministries' daily devotionals will explore the most vital subject to discuss, and that is The Word! The Bible says "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword," How does that apply to our daily walk?
The wise writer King Solomon says "A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.” Ecclesiastes 7:1
May 20, 2023 By Dr. George Bing
In today’s Daily Devotional, I will answer a question that perhaps I venture to say that most Believers may not be aware of. Did you ever wonder why at the beginning of a Home Going or Funeral Service there is usually a Bishop, Pastor, or some member of the Clergy that reads or quotes Scriptures as the family and loved ones of the deceased march in behind them? This is called the Precessional and it is the beginning of the Service of someone whose life is about to be celebrated. This is the first part of this liturgy in most African American circles in a Service for someone who has passed.
The person no longer exists in the natural on this side and so the family and friends left behind are in attendance for two other important reasons besides the celebration of life. The first one is to pay their respects as they mourn over losing their loved one. The other reason is to support those closest to the deceased. The wise writer King Solomon says "A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.” Ecclesiastes 7:1. The reasoning here is that when a Believer transitions all of the misery, pain, suffering, lying, and contentious things in this life are no more. They are now in the presence of the Lord.
The Apostle Paul speaking about death says “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8. This is a paradise for the Believer who has crossed over, but what about their loved ones who are still here? Yes, the Believing Saint has transitioned from labor to reward, but how will those remaining on this side be able to adjust and still enjoy abundant life without their loved one not physically here anymore? We will conclude this major topic tomorrow the Lord’s will! "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hill from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, Which made heaven and earth.” Psalms 121:1-2. What are your thoughts?
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