In Loving Memory –

Ernie showed unconditional love and shared his faith with his family.  He taught his daughters respect and consideration for others.  He was a good provider and his solid work ethic taught his daughters to work hard, be committed and dependable.  He was funny, his smile warmed a room and everything was always better when he was involved.  He went with the flow and enjoyed life to the fullest.  He was so much fun, young at heart, outgoing and adventurous.  He was a wonderful example when it came to lending a helping hand and extending care and concern for the well-being of others.

He loved his grandchildren and they enjoyed his company.  He was one of their biggest fans and supported them enthusiastically in any event.  He loved to teach his grandkids and spend time with them.  Whether it be getting down on the floor to play, walking up and down the street with them riding bikes, rollerblading or playing catch, he was there.

He has a place in all of our hearts no one else can fill.  He was an exceptional father and grandfather, with a heart of gold.  He made us all very proud.  He was a true blessing and will be greatly missed.

This is part of the eulogy for the father of a close friend.  The celebration of a life well-lived and the letter of love he wrote on the hearts and lives he touched.

The remembrance and loss of loved ones opens our hearts to grieve and provides opportunities to reflect on a person’s impact in our lives.

A new covenant, not written in stone –

II Corinthians 3:1-6 –

“And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.  Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God.  Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” NLT

The written law (on tablets) reflects the nature of God and is unchanging.  His standards cannot be reduced without ceasing to be Himself.  It is a law with incessant reminders of sin and guilt which separates us from a righteous and just God.

Throughout the Old Testament prophets pointed to the fulfillment of a new covenant promise from God – I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  I will forgive through a full and final dealing with sin.  A promise for the whole inner man and our hearts to be fashioned by God to match the requirements of His law.  A covenant not only for Israel, but for all men.

His Son, Jesus Christ, is the full, final and perfect fulfillment of the written law and dealing with sin.  The law has not been cancelled by the gospel of Jesus Christ.  But, His death and resurrection fulfilled the requirements of the law within the believer through the power of the risen Christ.  Christ is the fulfillment of God’s love.  His love sacrificed everything to save us and conquered every sin.  Christ’s sacrifice – the full and final dealing with sin – bringing sin to nothing.

The apostle Paul wrote of this infallible truth which will not pass away.  Those who profess Christ as their Lord and Savior are covered with the full and final dealing with sin, are forgiven and receive the spirit of the living God.  God’s spirit within our hearts freely provides us with a right standing with Himself – to fellowship with the living God.

Are we ministers of the new covenant?

Colossians 3:12 –

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender-hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”  NLT

I’ve wondered if when my eulogy is read by those I’ve touched, will my life be reflected as one who pointed to the (new covenant promise) gospel of Jesus Christ?  Will their lives show they are a letter from Christ delivered by me?  Will the life-giving Spirit of God be written on their hearts, not merely on tablets of ink or stone?  Will others say I was a true blessing and will be greatly missed?

If not, please Change My Heart Oh God, (sung by Eddie Espinosa) while there is still time.