https://odb.org/2024/06/11/shebnas-grave
I know of people who placed less priority on the grave because if we are in the faith, we have the assurance of resurrection one day. Where our earthen body is placed after death and whether we are buried or cremated are less important as our resurrected body is not dependent on the location or condition of our earthly body.
As much as the dead do not participate in the affairs of the living anymore, the grave is the epitome of our appreciation and rememberance of them. It is thus a good practice by the Chinese to bring the young to clean and visit the graves of those who had departed during All Souls Day (Qing Ming). A practice replicated by Chinese Christians on the Easter weekend, which incidentally is usually just around the corner from All Souls Day.
The grave is a place of remembrance. A place of memory of those departed lest they be forgotten by the world that inevitably will move on and leave them behind.
However, as the LORD chastised Shebna in Isaiah 22 for his pride in preparing a monumental grave in advance for himself, we must not to overdo this. Perhaps some may think that since I can not bring my earthly wealth over to the other side and since my earthly possessions will be owned and enjoyed by my heirs, I might as well build a monument unto myself! But the LORD opposes the proud and exalts the humble.
The message this morning as we live one more day is to focus on our tasks at hand in this world for Christ. We should prepare for our retirement and eventual departure for the sake of our descendants. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses all had graves. Even our Lord Jesus Christ had a tomb, although it was empty on the 3rd day because He is risen! Let’s prepare for our ultimate destination in Christ one day where we shall live for eternity with the Tree of Life available to us again. Let’s prepare by fulfilling His plans and purposes for our lives and responding to His calling for us!
Ronnie's Thoughts 