Yesterday afternoon we had yet another funeral service—this one in memory of Gilbert Vander Male, who passed away at the age of 97 as one of the oldest members of our church. He is survived by 5 children, 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and scores of other relatives. He was a World War II vet, and was in the thick of battle for some months. He witnessed many comrades being killed around him, though he never spoke much about this until near the end of his life. Being self-effacing, he would not even allow a special military service at his graveside, though he did allow a flag to be draped across his coffin and then be given to his children in recognition of his service.
My colleague, Dr. Maarten Kuivenhoven, spoke in the church on Isaiah 55:1-3 (“Ho everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters,” etc.) and I gave a committal message at the graveside on Revelation 21:5-6 (“I am Alpha and Omega… I make all things new”). Two sons, Bob and John, also shared memories of their dear father. In being one of his pastors for the last 34 years I had the privilege of seeing him gradually come to saving faith in Christ over the years, then receive freedom to attend the Lord’s Supper for the first time at the age of 91(!), and grow in assurance of faith during the last years of his life so that he felt ready and at peace to die to be with Christ in the end. Praise God for the end of those made righteous and blameless in Christ (see Ps. 37:37).
