The Lamentation of Ezekiel

[Sung Psalm: 60]

Children, pay attention! Because I'm going to ask your parents a question – and I want you to hear it.

Parents, many of you have heard me say from this pulpit, “Children, you are going to die.” Since the last time I said that – several months ago – how often have you talked with your children about death?

I realize that death is a difficult topic. Death can be an abstract subject for those who have never experienced it. We have successfully “managed” death in our day. Through medical technology we stave off death until old age for most folks. Through hospitals and funeral homes we stave off any direct contact with the dead. But the only benefit we receive from this is denial. We can ignore death a little longer – until it clutches us to itself with its cold, dark, fingers.

We need to deal more frankly with death. Because you are going to die. The number of your days is drawing to its close.