John 15:13

This past week I attended funerals for two amazing men who gave up their lives to save another. Both men who died were followers of Jesus Christ. One particular item to note from the funerals was the hope that permeated both. The deaths of these men made many mourners out of family and friends, but the mourning was different. The mourning was not in dispair. Their was an unthinkable joy and hope that surrounded this grim event. There was no perspective that their deaths were a conclusion of life, but rather their deaths were really the beginning of their lives. I have been to many funerals for people who were not followers of Jesus and I have seen death has a bitter sting. However, there was no sting in the deaths of these men. There was not finality in their passing, but hope for where they are and who they are now with forever.

These men lived their lives differently because of Jesus, they gave their lives courageously because of Jesus, and now because of Jesus they will live again gloriously for all eternity with the Creator of heaven and earth.