Early this week I spoke at a funeral service for an elderly gentlemen whom I had never met. His family requested a baptist minister, so I was glad to accomodate them.

It was a small, simple service. As we reflected on the man's life, I opened the Bible to John 3 to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. In these verses Jesus explained to Nicodemus both why he needed to be born again and how he could be born again. It is in this very conversation with Nicodemus that Jesus made this statement: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son; that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

Before the funeral started I noticed two of the pallbearers sitting in their designated seats. I went over to speak to them so that I might learn more about their connection to the deceased. They both said they were friends and had gone fishing with him.

One of the men in particular, by the name of John, touched my heart. I could tell right away that John had some disability. He was perhaps near 50 in age but much younger in his mental and verbal capacities.  His eyes seemed enlarged due to the extra-thick glasses he wore. He dressed in what I'm sure was his very best but not the cleanest or best-fitting clothes. His blue-jeans were stained and well worn and his sport coat was probably three or four sizes too small. The last button left  was doing its job of holding it all together.

 When John realized I was the officiating pastor, he asked "Do you know what church I go to?" After I said "No, I don't John," he promptly told me the full name of the church and its location.  He then asked "Do you know who my pastor is?" When I said "No, John, who is it?" he promptly and proudly told me.

Later, I had the opportunity to give John and his friend a ride to the cemetary for the graveside service. En route I could tell that John was wondering how he had done so far in his assignment as a pallbearer. I told him "John, you did great. They couldn't have picked anyone better to do the job." He said "Well thank ye' I thought I did a pretty good job, too!" He was so proud.

After we concluded at the cemetary, I gave John a ride home to his apartment.  We continued to talk about how good of a job he did as a pallbearer. I could tell that at least for that day John felt as though his life mattered, that someone had needed him.

When I dropped him off, I had to laugh at what John said. He said "If you ever hear of someone that needs a pallbearer, just tell them to call me, cause I'd be glad to help 'em."  I assured him that I would. I waited until he got in his apartment and I drove off, better for having met John that day.

My encounter with John reminded me of something really important. It reminded me of the value of human life regardless of age, ability, or ethnicity. It reminded me that human beings are valued and loved by God no matter what. He created people in His own image and consequently they have unique worth (Genesis 1:26-27), so much so that He was willing to give His Son to save us, every single one of us.

Thanks, John, for the reminder. And thank You, God, for creating special people like John.

Blessings,

Dave