	Bob Hostetler > Devotions

The End of a Matter

by Bob Hostetler

"A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth" (Ecclesiastes 7:1, NIV).

I remember attending the funeral of a friend. As the service progressed, I was impressed with how such moments seem to call forth the best effort from everyone. The choir never sounded better. The Scripture that was read seemed intensely relevant. The sermon was exceptional. And I wondered, Why?

Then it was that a verse from the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes occurred to me. "The end of a matter is better than its beginning." Suddenly, I saw that verse in a new light. I realized that when my friend was born, he was probably attended by a handful of joyful, chattering family members. When he was presented to God, and again when he joined his church, he was probably accompanied by a number of friends and loved ones. But at his funeral, choir, orchestra, and sanctuary overflowed with friends, associates, neighbors, and family.

Not only had my friend begun his life with loved ones gathered around him; not only had he begun a lifetime of service to God and his church; not only had he begun to influence people with God's love-- he had finished that way. Maybe that's what Solomon meant when he said, "A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth."

Prayer: Father, help me to finish what I have started, remembering that I am not fully ready to live until I am fully ready to die.

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