Keep Your Fork…

I love the story of a woman who arranged a meeting with her pastor after her oncologist said she only had a few days to live. They met at the hospital to pray and discuss her wishes for her funeral. They chose songs, scriptures, and other details, including the outfit she wanted to be buried in. But, as the pastor prepared to leave she added one unusual request. With a wry smile she said, "I want to be buried with a fork in my hand." 

The seasoned pastor had never had that request before and asked her why a fork. She explained, "When you are at someone’s home for a meal and the main course is cleared, sometimes someone says, 'Keep your fork.' That was my favorite part, because I knew something good was coming…like cake or pie, something with substance and a fork required! I want the people at my funeral to see me in my casket and ask you, 'What’s with the fork?' Then, I want you to tell them, ‘Something better is coming!’"

I love it! While we are all aware of what life is like on this side of eternity, I want to assure you today that for the believer in Jesus Christ, something better is coming. As it says boldly in God’s Word, “But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.’” (1 Corinthians 2:9 ESV) God is going to exceed our expectations for eternity.

I would guess many of us approach endings with a bit of dread. We fear the loss of health, the end of a career, the ending of a relationship, the finality of death. While the "clearing of the table" might feel sad, if we focus so much on what is being taken away, we just might forget who is doing the clearing. Our God doesn't clear the table to leave us empty; He clears it to make room for the best part! When the world says, "It’s over," God leans in and whispers, "Keep your fork." As we anticipate a place with no more tears, no more pain, and the presence of the Creator—it is the very thing we were created for!

Expectantly,

Shawn Brennan