Epitaphs

Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” (John 11:38-44 ESV). It is not unusual for many people to spend a little time at the cemetery where their loved ones are buried. A grave is a reminder of the person who had lived. It might be asked if we must be buried or can we be cremated. As I thought about that, I was taken to the tomb of Lazarus and wondered what might have been written there after Jesus raised him from the dead. Epitaphs are always interesting to read. In Lazarus’ case, he might have had chiseled something like “I’m not here any more!” In any case the following are some that I have pulled off the web for your consideration. Each of them has some interesting impact. Epitaph #1: Of a Young Worldly Woman: Here lies, what once, in beauty's bloom was every eye's delight; But now, the tenant of a tomb, its form would shock our sight. The soul that breath'd within the clod, fled in the pride of youth; learn hence betime to seek thy God, And choose the way of truth! Epitaph 2: Forbear to ask, whose dust lies here, beneath the turf or stone? Remember, thou must soon appear before thy Judge's Throne! Epitaph 3: Where is thy sting, O Death? And where thy victory, Grave? The ransom's sinner yields his breath to Him, who died to save. Epitaph 4: Is there some fond enchanting tie, that fetters thee to earth? And does the thought, that thou must die, make thee lament thy birth? O rise beyond these meaner things, these poor terrestrial toys; peace from a heavenly fountain springs, and swells to endless joys. Epitaph 5: Our body, as the food for worms, is loath'd, A shroud is all that it can boast of dress; But every soul for heav'n that's duly cloth'd shines in the robe of Christ's own righteousness. What will your epitaph read? As for me, I hope it says something about the wonder of life both before and after death! In Christ you may find joy in this life and surely you will know joy in the next!