On Monday, December 11, 2017, I had just finished conducting the funeral of an elderly man who was extremely well thought of and very active in the community. He was a member of our Lord’s Church and had been preparing himself for the end of his life for some time. Many members of the community were in attendance on that day. It was obvious how the community felt for this man and how he was going to be greatly missed. Sometimes I fear the words that I may speak on behalf of someone at these times are not good enough to do justice for the life of the deceased. How this man had lived his life in preparation to meet Jesus would be far more important than anything I could possible say. Following my remarks, it was time for the community, friends, loved ones and family to come and pay their last respects at the casket. I remained near the casket as the line progressed to offer condolences to those who were grieving so greatly.
One of the individuals that that I saw in line to pay his respect to the deceased was my old high school football coach. I always had excitement when I saw him because of the great respect I have for him. I had heard that the old ball coach was struggling with his memory. Over the years, he had suffered some medical issues that had been successfully treated but, his recollection was not always the best. The old ball coach was a man that I had thought of often over the years, and I had kept some contact with him. He taught me a lot about life through the avenue of discipline, hard work, and determination. I loved playing the game of football and it was an honor to have been coached by him. I elevated myself during my time with him to an education and growth through the turmoil of football that I had barely been able to achieve in other areas of my life. I spent a lot of time working early in the morning and late at night to better my skills. I lifted weights and practiced year-round because I wanted to be successful as a football player, and not only because I wanted to be successful but also because I wanted to please the old ball coach. As Coach approached closer, as the line was passing, I put on a big grin and said, “Hi, Coach.” He looked at me somewhat confused and extended his hand to introduce himself. This was a day that I soon won’t forget. All the time and effort that I had spent in my life working toward excellence, and I was not even remembered by the man that I had worked so hard for. It was not as though it had been several years since we last spoke. I had to remind myself that the old ball coach was not himself and his memory was not a reflection on me. I spent a lot of time that day replaying that moment in time and what it means to be remembered.
Humans forget many of the times, places and people they were associated with as the years pass. For some, the memory loss is great. Then, eventually, after the passing of years, we will pass on from this world. For a moment on that day I was troubled. I was humbled realizing that times and people change. My time as a football player was so important to me and the man who was an influential part of that did not recognize me. As I reflected on this idea of being forgotten, I could not help but think of the greater tragedy in life, which would be Christ not recognizing a faithful servant on that last day. Jesus said, “Therefore, whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew10:32-33). When I meet that day of judgement, I want Christ to know who I am. I want Christ to see me washed in His blood that brought me forgiveness of my sins. I do not want the ugly scars of sin from my life to be seen. On that last day, because I am faithful to Christ, because I am a baptized believer, because I have been His servant, I desire to hear “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34). In this life upon earth, there will be those that after time do not quickly recognize us or remember a relationship that once was. This, I suppose, is a part of life. The greater tragedy will be not being recognized by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on that great day of judgement. Let us live to Him that we may be seen and remembered as a good and faithful servant.
Scott is the minister at the Elm Grove Church of Christ. Meeting times are Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class and 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. for worship. Mid-week Bible study is on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. All are invited.
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