Witness in the Making

The funeral service my husband and I attended today was closed with this sacred text fromthe final words in the Holy Bible;Rev.22:12-17&2112 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you[] this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life... 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. What will be said of you and I when we are laid to restOh, what will be the legacy that transcends mortal goalsAfter we cease the evidence of what we now love bestWhen the reward of Recompense its sacred summons tolls What are we doing to prepare for what waits one and allNobody knows how near or far we are to earth’s farewellThus, this sojourn is no eat-drink-be-merry festivalIt is the holy prelude to either Heaven or hell Where what and who we love most consumes thought’s most earnest questAs thought’s most earnest quest turns into choice and consequenceAnd writes what will fill memories as we are laid to restAnd only God can break the seal that reveals Recompense What will be said of you and I when death collects its dueDepends on here and now and how we use life’s little leaseOh, pray that what will be remembered most of me and youIs our love for God portrayed in love, hope, joy and peace When we face what we all will face but once forevermoreWhat will God say when you and I step from this transient shellWhen we witness the evidence of what we most adoredWill the reward be Heaven's joy or agony of hell? © Janet Martin