The practice of reading Scriptures at funerals is the topic, today. Also, there is more on the miraculous births of Jesus and John the Baptist. A “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Declan” (Level 1 with 94 points, a member since February 17, 2013) posted the following:
Why are bible verses read at funerals?
THE BATTLE AXE: Both Born Holy? (04/29/2013)—(6.) Lacking the Holy Spirit and a right knowledge of the process of GOD, many mistakenly believe that the Scriptures are filled with contradictions and errors, because they see the same sacred events and miracles recorded more than once, yet, they are not reported exactly the same way. Depending upon human intelligence, logic, or reason, and seeking to understand without spiritual discernment, the profound and subtle increases effected by GOD cannot be detected. See 1st Corinthians 2: 9-14, KJV. (7.) The work of John was to announce the fulfillment of divine promises and prophesies recorded in the Scriptures. The work of Jesus was to actually carryout, institute, and perform sacred events, and divine operations upon the earth that pertained to worship and the divine Sanctuary in heaven. Included in the Savior’s work were atonement, forgiveness, incarnation, proclamation, purification, rebirth, reconciliation, and resurrection.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9: 57-61, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Quoting Scripture to GOD? (04/24/2013); Illusion? (04/25/2013); Suddenly Absent, Suddenly Present (03/31/2013); A Family Affair? (04/01/2013); What to Take Literally (03/11/2013); A GOD of War? (03/12/2013); The Prophets (02/24/2012); Binder 3: A Commitment To The Scriptures (09/30/2011); Inspiration? (03/05/2011); Blasphemy? (03/06/2011); Bible Boring? (09/29/2010)
Declan, here are some points understood to be important among many mature Christian believers about the reading of Scriptures:
(1.) For many, burial of the dead is a mechanical and practical process having more to do with sanitation than salvation. (It is necessary to remove the dead and their decay to block the spread of disease and sickness.) The reading of Scriptures is not needed to “take out the garbage” or to “remove the trash.” For those who acknowledge the authority and sovereignty of GOD over life, death and eternity, readings from Scripture are used to acknowledge and show respect to the exalted position of GOD as Creator and Maker of mankind, as Judge over the quick and the dead, and as the One who establishes eternal life through the resurrection of the dead.
(2.) Scriptures are read to invoke (i.e., invite, welcome) the presence of GOD; and to petition (make request) for divine resources. In addition to pleas for acceptance of the dead into the divine presence, the needs of the surviving loved ones are addressed including comfort, direction, guidance, healing, strength (emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual), and reaffirmation of their own condition as saved believers. See Romans 15: 4 and 2nd Corinthians 1: 3-9 King James Version.
(3.) Scriptures are read to reestablish awareness of divine truths held among believers that are powerfully contradicted and opposed by bereavement, separation, and loss of loved ones. Included are praises, prayers, proclamations, promises, prophesies, and thanksgivings. Men are easily convinced that death is real, because multiple devices of the flesh dominate human awareness. Appetite, sensation, and mental functions such as desire, recall and thought, are all engaged. By contrast, apprehension of eternal life comes only when awareness is directed by the Spirit of GOD, and things otherwise invisible and unknowable must come into ones experience.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) GOD is a spirit. The holy writings convey and transfer divinity as spirit content in the form of words (i.e., breath, utterance). Included are aspects of the divine makeup such as faith, holiness, joy, longsuffering (endurance), love, patience, wisdom, and wrath against sin.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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