The Euology of My Son

Scripture: Luke 24:5

My son had to write a eulogy of himself for a university course called, The Essence of Man. He asked if I could assist him with the paper.
  I wrote... Dear Son: This is going to be hard since I have to imagine that you are dead but really are alive. This will take on more meaning since we have to go to the funeral home right after this to visit some family who have lost their father.
   "Peter Gideon, (known as Gideon) our only son, will be sadly missed by dad, mom, family and friends..."
  Upon completion, I shared the eulogy with my wife. She told me later that she cried after she read it. I thought to myself, "But he is alive; he is not dead." I was relieved. I promptly deleted the article. I did not want to think that my only son was dead.
   At Easter time, many years ago, angels came to some people and said exactly the same thing. "He is not dead but alive! He is risen!" They were referring to Jesus Christ who died a terrible death on the cross for our sins and to give us new life, a new meaning to exist. (Luke 24:5)
   Friend, God's only Son is not dead as some believe. He is alive! I Jesus, God's Son was dead, we would have no reason to exist. There would be no purpose for life. The essence of man would be futile. There are so many in this world that believe God is dead. These same people find no reason to live.
   As Jesus was dragged by his fellow soldiers, the audience detected Jay's voice crackle as he yelled, "Crucify him, hang the man!" He dabbed a tear from his eye. "Jesus" cried out, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" Then, "It is finished!" The lights cut, the roll of thunder could be heard and it grew very still. All could hear the sobs of the disciples and Mary, kneeling by the cross. Jay, too, was quietly crying out, "Jesus, you did this for me? You died on this old cross so I can have new life? I have been so cruel to you and you were so kind. The blood on my hands was a sacrifice for ME! I'm sorry for what I've done. Forgive me, please! I give you my heart and life. I am finished with my own struggles. I want You as my Saviour and Lord!"

It was like the lights went back on for Jay. He could scarcely believe it. He felt like a new man! God had heard his prayer. He had come to know Jesus, at the foot of the cross, in front of a 1,000 people or more. Jesus' blood was meant for him. He wiped another tear and felt joy come over him. As the choir sang the last selection, "I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb" by Ray Boltz, he knew he had to go tell the pastor, friends and family.