Earl Hartleben - 2013

²² The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;^[a]
    his mercies never come to an end;
²³ they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
    “therefore I will hope in him.”

²⁵ The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
    to the soul who seeks him.
²⁶ It is good that one should wait quietly
    for the salvation of the Lord.
²⁷ It is good for a man that he bear
    the yoke in his youth.

²⁸ Let him sit alone in silence
    when it is laid on him;
²⁹ let him put his mouth in the dust—
    there may yet be hope;
³⁰ let him give his cheek to the one who strikes,
    and let him be filled with insults.

³¹ For the Lord will not
    cast off forever,
³² but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion
    according to the abundance of his steadfast love;
³³ for he does not afflict from his heart
    or grieve the children of men.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

²⁵ At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; ²⁶ yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.^[a] 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. ²⁸ Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen.  Our text for today is Earl’s confirmation verse, along with the words of our Gospel lesson, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  Thus far our text. 

Dear friends in Christ, especially friends of Earl, and especially you dear family members.  Almost 78 years ago, Earl William Hartleben was brought into this sanctuary, and baptized at this baptismal font.  On that day, Christ came to him, with promises of forgiveness of all sin, rescue from death and the devil, and eternal salvation.  63 years ago, Earl again came to this altar, and was confirmed in the faith, while receiving these words from St. Peter, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity.” 

Dear friends, family, and loved ones of Earl, it’s because of that grace and glory of Jesus that we are gathered here today.  A few days ago, Earl entered permanently into that glory of Christ.  A few days ago, God’s promises to him were brought to their final fulfillment.  A few days ago, Earl left his world of sin, suffering and sorrow behind for good, and entered God’s eternal rest.  And so today, as we mourn and hurt, we know with certainty, that because of Jesus, Earl is now God’s child forever more. 

And there is comfort in that, because in this world, especially these last few years, Earl struggled and suffered.  The last month especially, the cancer he has had for many years has taken its toll upon him.  He lost weight, as cancer ravaged his body.  He became weaker, unable even to stand on his own.  He became weary of the fight against the disease that ravaged his body.  He became weary of this world.  And at the end, he was ready to be with his Lord Jesus.  As I spoke with him just a few weeks ago, he was ready to finally be at peace. 

And so Christ called to him.  “You who are weary of this world, come to me, and I will give you rest.  Come to me, and be at peace.  Come to me and leave this world of sin behind.”  And as that call came to Earl, he entered God’s eternal kingdom by the working of His Lord. 

That’s the promise of Earl’s baptism.  That’s the promise of Earl’s confirmation.  That’s the promise to you as well.  It’s the promise earned by Jesus’ death on the cross, and sealed in the blood poured from his side.  The promise that God so loved the people of this world, you and me and Earl included, that He gave his only begotten son for this world.  That Christ loved Earl so much that he entered this world, and died for his sin.  Christ loved Earl so much that he made him an adopted Son of God in the baptism here. 

And so today, it’s we who mourn.  It’s we who are left here in this world of sin and sorrow.  Earl’s suffering is gone, but ours continues.  We will remember Earl, and weep for days to come.  We will remember Earl and hurt, in the years ahead.  We too will grow older and weaker.  We too will continue to be weary in this world of sin and sorry.  But we have the same promise that Earl had, a promise given to us in our baptism, through which Jesus calls to our weary hearts as well, “Come to me you weary ones.  Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Come and find rest for your souls.”  Trust not in yourself, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day you enter eternity with him, and with Earl, and with all who have received Christ’s blessings. 

77 years ago, Earl was baptized.  63 years ago, Earl was confirmed.  And, because of Christ, 4 days ago, Earl entered his eternal rest.  He’s now at peace because God has taken him to be his own.  God has given him his eternal reward, all through Jesus.  To him alone be glory forever and ever.  Amen.