Ruth Rine Funeral Sermon

As I listen to the words of scripture read to us today, I hear in them a definite progression of ideas. First, the passage from Isaiah reminds us of the fleeting nature of the life that we live--that life is but a vapor, a fragile and delicate thing which passes all too quickly and inevitably. We shared together the reading of the 23rd Psalm--a passage that reminds us that throughout this fragile and fleeting life, God is with us--even in times of pain and sorrow, and that God's provision and gentle care remains. The passage from Revelation describes to us the future that awaits--a glorious gathering of people from every nation, tribe, and tongue to give praise to God in the New Creation "for the old has passed away and all is made new." Finally, Christ comes close to us, as we hear again the words spoken to those closest to him in his last days before he gave himself for us on the cross.

These passages present to us a reassurance of the ebb and flow of life, and God's presence, provision, and care within it. I believe that Ruth was well aware of these words and ideas. She had a firm grasp on the realities of that a life of faith provides, and tried to share those ideas through her actions as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Ruth cared for her family deeply and found great joy in caring for them and providing for them. Even in the last week of her life, she thought more of them than of herself, concerned that they had not eaten--I'm sure that if she had been able, she would have had something waiting for everyone who came to visit, even if it was only something as simple as her cookies.

But those last days are only a glimpse of who Ruth was--she lived life to the fullest. She loved to dance, to play golf, to go to Las Vegas, and to follow Nebraska football. Even then, it seemed, she knew how fleeting life was, and celebrated each moment, cherishing those closest to her. She was a servant to her family and to others, sharing whatever she had, whether it was a hot meal or simply the knowledge of how to sew and cross-stitch.

Ruth's understanding of God and her relationship with Christ helped her to know the value of these moments spent with those near and dear, and while she would have rejoiced that her family was together, she would ask that today would be a celebration--a time of rejoicing that she has awakened in heaven.

Ruth knew well that life was more than simply surviving. Life needs purpose and meaning. Life is not always fair, or fun, or even pleasant. Yet, life can have meaning beyond day-to-day existence. Ruth found that meaning in Jesus Christ, and wanted you to know that truth, sharing her faith through the care she provided, and through her embrace of the good things in life.

Some of you may know that Ruth was well aware that her time among us was coming to a close. After this past Christmas, she began speaking more of joining her husband--how she missed him and longed to be with him again. Imagine her joy today as they dance together to the sounds of Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey, while the smell of Grandpa's catfish cooking wafts across heaven tonight.

Rejoice! For Ruth knew the joy that awaited her--not just a reunion with her husband, but the embrace of Jesus Christ her Lord, thanking her for the care she gave to her family and her daily witness to others throughout her life of faith. Imagine her joy as she hears those words, "Welcome home--well done, good and faithful servant."