For years I have had a recurring question arise in my mind in various places where I have lived. Should I purchase a cemetery plot for myself?
When I lived in Clovis, New Mexico, USA, helping with my mother, I wondered at that time if I should buy a cemetery plot for myself. My mother had already bought one next to my dad's grave.
But the problem I had with doing this was the knowledge that Jesus might return and I wouldn't need one.
I know this because of the following scripture:
I Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep (dead), that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep (die) in Jesus will God bring with Him.
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep (dead).
For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
So I did not purchase a cemetery plot in Clovis, New Mexico.
***
I moved from Clovis, New Mexico to Lubbock, Texas and the same thought came to me every once in a while. Do I need to buy a cemetery plot?
Each time the question came, I resolved it with the decision not to do this.
***
Now at the age of 81 I live in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and I rejoice in not have a cemetery plot in Clovis, New Mexico or Lubbock, Texas. I wouldn't want anyone to think they needed to send my body to one of those places to be buried.
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My cousin's husband died. She called me to tell me Thurman had died.
As we spoke she mentioned taking flowers to his grave.
I replied "Who are you trying to impress? Thurman is dead. Dead people are asleep. He will not know you are putting flowers on his grave. So why are you doing this? "
This cousin had always been very difficult to talk with. She became offended very easily and I was shocked that I said that to her. But this time she just became very quiet and thoughtful. And then, after a few minutes of silence, she responded, "Then it doesn't really matter where we are buried."
I replied "That's right!"
This cousin is dead now, and when I think of this story I always have such hope that she was truly born again at the end because I know it was God who gave her the understanding that it really doesn't matter where you are buried.
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Hymn: Up from the grave He arose
(Click forward arrow > to play music:)
1. Low in the grave He lay —
Jesus my Savior!
Waiting the coming day —
Jesus my Lord!
Chorus:
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes.
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever in His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!
2. Vainly they watch His tomb
Jesus, my Savior!
Vainly they seal the dead—
Jesus my Lord!
3. Death cannot keep his prey—
Jesus, my Savior!
He tore the bars away—
Jesus my Lord!
(Click pause symbol, " ... at beginning of hymn, to stop music)
*****
The following scripture pertains to this hymn:
Matthew 27:59 And when Joseph had taken the body (of Jesus), he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
Matthew 27:62-66 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while He was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night, and steal Him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.
So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.
***
Matthew 28:1-4 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:
And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
***
Luke 24:1-7 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them,
Why seek ye the living among the dead?
He is not here, but is risen:
remember how HE spake unto you when HE was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
*****