Homecoming

Written by cycleguy on September 10th, 2017

Maybe Homegoing is a better way to say it.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15

Saturday. September 9th. 4:00 PM. Mike Murphy went home.

Mike fought a valiant battle. He remained upbeat as much as he was able until the disease robbed him of the ability to show it. He lost his physical strength. He lost his ability to verbally communicate. Eventually the cancer which had spread throughout his body robbed him of his ability to even breathe.

But throughout the ordeal, which really wasn’t long compared to some, Mike maintained one very important thought: “I know whom I have believed and I know He is able to keep that which I have committed to Him for that day.” Mike’s attitude soon reflected the same I saw in my late mother: He would fall asleep and wake and with disappointment say, “Oh, I’m still here.” He wasn’t in a hurry to leave Sheila, his wife of 17 years. (I married them in June of 2000 in Terre Haute, IN). He was in a hurry to see Jesus, the One who loved him, saved him, gave him the love of his life, and would say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  Mike is home.

Thanks to all of you who prayed for Mike and Sheila. She needs your prayers now as she makes the necessary preparations for his celebration. They have asked me to speak at his funeral. I’d appreciate your prayers for me as I prepare my remarks. That, of course, means my presence here and at your place will be up in the air.  I’m sure you will understand if I don’t make it by to comment.

I’m glad I can approach Mike’s funeral with joy (mingled with sadness of course), but joy because I know where he is spending eternity.  I cannot say that for all funeral services I do, nor am I happy when I do one where the person has rejected God’s love and invitation. The odds are 1 out of 1 that we will die. Are you ready?

 

14 Comments so far ↓

  1. Lisa notes says:

    Praying for Mike’s family. So sorry for their loss. And praying for you, Bill, as you prepare your words. May the Spirit fill your mouth with the same hope and love that I read from your words here.

  2. Jeff says:

    It has to be one of the hardest parts of your job. I have no doubt you will be a comfort to them. I’m ready but in no hurry.

  3. Will certainly keep Mike’s family in prayer, Bill. And I am certain the Lord will give you exactly the right words to say at his homegoing.
    Blessings to all.

  4. Betty Draper says:

    I like your friend Mike who now see face to face clearly what we try so hard to get even a tiny glimpse of here on earth. Maybe it’s my age but I get a little disappointed sometimes that He has not raptured us out of this messy world. I will be praying for his family. Sometimes tells me you are cut of the same cloth as Mike was. We all walk around in a frail dress of flesh but what we carry inside us is the most precious gift …we are His, and I know I have believed in Him…

  5. pam says:

    Praying for comfort and strength for Mike’s family, guidance for you, and praise to Jesus for welcoming Mike home.

  6. ceil says:

    Hi Bill! Being involved in so many people’s lives is such a blessing, even when the hard times come. You are so fortunate to minister to people in good times and in bad.
    What a witness your friend was to you, and a real encouragement at the hour of death. I hope I will be looking forward with anticipation, not longing to stay, when the time comes.
    I’ll be praying for this family, and for you too.
    Ceil

    • cycleguy says:

      I may seem strange Ceil but I love to be involved in peoples’ lives-good and bad times. I am looking forward to heaven with anticipation. Thanks for your prayers.

  7. floyd says:

    I grieve for the family, but rejoice with them in a somber way. We’ll all be together one of these days.

    Praying for Shelia and the family and you as you speak for the service.

  8. Ed says:

    Praying for Shelia and for you. Yes, I am ready at a moment’s notice.