They Died In the Lord - Their Works Follow Them

  Revelation 14:13 is a most comforting passage regarding the faithful. They are blessed who die in the Lord, and their works follow them. This past week, two such souls departed this world’s abode and await the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). 

   BERLYN YOCKEY of Yale, IL, passed away on January 26. He had served as an elder for the church of Christ in that small community for at least fifty years. His wife, Guyla, passed away just a little over a year ago. If memory serves me, we met in 1976 and only a couple of years later, he, on behalf of the Yale congregation, asked me to come for a week’s gospel meeting. Berlyn’s “claim to fame” in the secular world was being a road builder! He had worked for the township repairing and maintaining roads for several years, and in time, was appointed supervisor of Jasper County, IL highways, again building roads. He was just as skilled in building roads for the souls of those within the flock of God at Yale. Many were the discussions with souls of that flock whom both sought and needed his counsel. He indeed shall be missed!

   PHYLLIS HARRIS, the widow of the late RAYMOND HARRIS, passed away on February 1. Being the faithful helpmeet to a gospel preacher is not an easy task, but Phyllis did it with grace and fervor. Though comprised of a meek and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4), Phyllis was extremely active in the raising of their four children, and in the support of her husband’s righteous profession. Proof of her dedication to Christ and His church seemed evident as at least eight gospel preachers attended her funeral, giving their respects to a great encourager of the faith!

   I muse on how frequently the news of such faithful brethren and friends reaches my ears that they have died, and their works follow them. Yet, such is the goal of every righteous soul: to so live, labor, and love the service of our Lord as to leave this world in expectation of rest from our toils. Regardless of the secular accomplishments of our lives, if we have failed to prove acceptable to our Lord, then life is for naught. Thus, it behooves us to make sure we die in the Lord, and that our works have been fervently engaged in accomplishing His will. Let us then be diligent in making our calling and election sure!