Stand Up For Jesus

My grandpa is currently in hospice care. His nurse said he probably has anywhere from a day to a week left on earth. He is surrounded by family that loves him and there have been multiple special moments with him in his final days here on earth. I was able to celebrate my 30th birthday and he sang Happy Birthday to me the best he could. My mom, aunt and uncle have been by his side and here is one of the special interactions they had recently. My grandpa isn’t talking much anymore or getting out of his hospital bed so that made this conversation with him extra remarkable.

Grandpa: “G, G” (mumbled voice trying to sit up)

Uncle: Do you need help going to the bathroom?

Grandpa: “No…. G…”

Uncle: I’m not sure what you need…

Grandpa: “Stand up for Jesus!” (clear voice)

   Aunt and Uncle prop Grandpa up in his hospital bed

Uncle: You are standing for Jesus!

   Family proceeds to sing Stand Up For Jesus

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high his royal banner,
It must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory
His army shall he lead,
Till every foe is vanquished,
And Christ is Lord indeed.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Stand in his strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you,
Ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,

Each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger,
Be never wanting there.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
The strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle,
The next the victor’s song.
To those who vanquish evil
A crown of life shall be;
They with the King of Glory
Shall reign eternally.

The end of life is hard, but it can also be beautiful. He will soon be in a better place. That is a truth we can have joy for. As we speak with one another, sing, listen to God’s Word, and prepare to share eulogies, let us focus our minds on His goodness. May we direct our thoughts to fond memories with him. Let people speak of the ways he has impacted their lives, and let us rejoice over every testimony, knowing that his life was a life well-lived.

God of all grace, we thank you for giving Your Son, Jesus, to overcome death. We rejoice that You have opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. We have been blessed by the life of our loved one who has served you faithfully, and who has been redeemed by Your precious blood. Receive our loved one now, to be numbered with the saints in glory everlasting. May all who are gathered here know you intimately, as our loved one did. Amen.

https://connectusfund.org/10-good-opening-prayers-for-funerals