1 Peter 2:9-10
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, the people who are God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. At one time, you were not a people, but now you are the people of God. At one time, you were not shown mercy, but now you have been shown mercy.
Dear Heavenly Father,
In your mercy, you have decided to call one of your children—Verla—home. Lord, she was a part of your holy nation and your royal priesthood. Who are we that we should want to keep her with us when she is yours, to begin with? Through you, she was called out of the darkness of her sins into your marvelous light through her baptism. While we mourn her loss, we rejoice that her victory is won because she is with you in heaven as part of your heavenly tribe. Lord, you had shown us abundant mercy when we were your enemies. You sent your Son to this earth to become our brother to live all your laws and demands perfectly. He did this because we could not. Then he went to the cross for us, taking all our sins upon his shoulders, so we now have the confidence our sins are forgiven. It was our sins that separated us from you. Through your Spirit, you created the faith for us to believe in Jesus as our Savior, and through him, we have eternal life. Like Verla, we will one day also be at home in heaven with you, our victory won. Lord, comfort all Verla’s family members because she believed, trusted, and had faith in Jesus; we have the assurance she is in heaven with you. Amen.
Roger Emmons
Pastor
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
Proclaim the praises of God what he has done for you, by his grace, mercy, and love alone; you have the promise, hope, and joy of heaven.