Angels Take All Forms

Saturday morning, family and friends gathered at the church for Butch’s ceremony. The altar was a celestial gallery of Butch’s artwork; whimsical and colorful depictions of Butch’s forever residence… autographed by the artist himself, in child-like scrawl.
Annie and Bob stoically stood at the front of the altar greeting people, and sharing their son’s life. When the pastor climbed the steps to the altar, the guests took their seats. The aisles were lined with wheelchairs, occupied by the patients from the Children’s Hospital; Butch’s brothers and sisters in Christ. Their faces glowed with delight; the realization deep in their hearts that their buddy, Butch was with his Abba- his heavenly daddy.
The mood and atmosphere in the church were like nothing Mitch had ever encountered. A peaceful sensation was felt throughout…the usual melancholy, somehow sheltered in tranquility. God was surely in this place. His almighty presence filled the audience with solace and hope. It was one of celebration, not mourning; the joyful acceptance of eternal life.
The pastor began the service. “Welcome everybody! We are here to celebrate Butch’s union with Jesus today.” Some of Butch’s friends started to clap, drawing the others in. The thunder of applause sent vibrations of certainty throughout. The pastor’s uninterrupted smile spoke more truth. “Just saying the name ‘Butch’ gives me that Christmas feeling! Amen?”
A resounding “Amen” filled the room. The congregation smiled and nodded in agreement. The pastor continued, “You know what I mean, right? Butch made me want to be a better person. He made me want to pray more; read my Bible more; love more. Butch got it! He understood the whole trust in God thing! He knew Jesus. His cancer was insignificant because he knew that meeting his Savior was the ultimate! He knew his suffering on earth was temporary. Butch crossed the finish line!”
“The scripture today comes from Revelation, chapter 21, verses 18 through 27: The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid with twelve precious stones. The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass. I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
Pastor Lou stopped and looked out to the crowd- all there to honor Butch. “This is where Butch is right now! When you get sad, just think of that! Butch is in paradise with Jesus!” The pastor paced the altar with excitement. “Can’t you just see Butch holding Jesus’ hand, walking the golden streets; and drilling him with questions?” Laughter and sniffles filled the room. The crowd nodded in jubilant agreement.
“This scripture is God’s truth! John, Jesus’ beloved disciple, was rescued by God from the Island of Patmos. John was sent there by the Roman soldiers for preaching the gospel. Jesus gave this message to John. He allowed John to see and record future events in order to encourage us! John is describing what Jesus showed him!” Pastor Lou paused to let the words sink in. “We have nothing to fear, friends. Our final destination will be glorious. And Butch is basking in that glory, as I speak.”