Sermon for Wayne Tritch Funeral
January 12, 2009
Isaiah 53, Romans 6:3-5

Dear Regina, Tonya, Shannon, family and friends of Wayne,

   A fireman’s funeral is a new experience for me; I have not had the privilege before. Wayne’s dedication to the town of Lafe and to the fire department is evident to anyone who knows anything about the Lafe community. A few years ago I had an opportunity to visit with him about the Lafe community, and he spoke passionately about the importance of people supporting their community. Obviously, he wasn’t just talking; but he did what he said and actively supported the Lafe community.

   Days like today are often times to pay tribute to a person’s achievements, to honor their contributions to their community and world, and reminisce about good times. That’s why we are having the fireman’s tribute, that’s why many of you are here, and later we will have a special time just to sit and visit at the church. But there is a danger in focusing too intently only on Wayne, because for every happy memory, there are painful memories as well. No life is free from pain or sickness, no life is free from sadness and failures. Wayne was not perfect, and neither are any of us. That is why, for a few moments, I want to focus on something other than what Wayne did. For a moment, we need to talk about what Christ has done.

   We all know that Wayne passed away this last Friday; and most of us know that it was his 55th birthday. But there is another date that is important for us to consider today; that date is January 31st, 1954. On that date Wayne’s parents brought him to the church up in Lafe, and the Pastor there baptized him in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Wayne was only a few weeks old, not able to do anything for himself; and that is exactly the point. For all of his abilities, for all of Wayne’s accomplishments there was one thing he could not do for himself; he could not save himself from sin and death. That is a job that only Christ can accomplish.

   A few moments ago I read a portion of Isaiah, the 53rd chapter. In that chapter Isaiah writes about Jesus 700 years before Jesus was born, prophetically explaining exactly who Jesus was and what Jesus would do. Like us, Jesus was a man like any other; not particularly noticeable or out of the ordinary. Except that, as God’s Son, Jesus was appointed to live the perfect life that we cannot, and to suffer unjustly for the sins of everyone else. Isaiah tells us, “he was pierced for our transgressions…the punishment that brought us peace was upon him…the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Jesus Christ, God’s perfect Son, was crushed because of the sins of humanity; because of your sins, my sins, Wayne’s sins. Disobedience deserves punishment; but rather than visit that punishment on His people, God the Father chose to have His only Son take that punishment on our behalf.

   When James and Pauline brought their baby boy to church that January day 55 years ago, all that Christ accomplished on the cross became Wayne’s. At that moment Christ gave to Wayne the peace that He won on the cross. At that moment, Christ clothed Wayne in the righteous robe that He won. At that moment, Christ arranged for Wayne to be adopted as one of God’s Holy children, with a place in His eternal kingdom.

   A few weeks ago, shortly after he was diagnosed, I had a chance to visit with Wayne about his faith. Wayne knew his sin, but as we spoke he also knew his savior. He was obviously upset and worried about what the future held for him; but he knew that his future included life with Christ. He knew that his life was saved by Christ.

   Later, just a few days ago, we celebrated the Lord’s Supper right there in the living room of his house. Together, Wayne, Regina and I confessed our sins and rejoiced in the forgiveness that Christ won. We celebrated the meal together that is only a hint of the heavenly banquet that Wayne is enjoying right now.

   Whatever other things we might remember about Wayne and what he accomplished during his life, it is the thing that Christ has done that brings us the most comfort today. Christ has given Wayne life that is not marred by death, or sorrow, or tears but instead is filled with peace and joy. It’s a life that was given Wayne on the day he was baptized; and a life that he enjoys still today. It is a life that is shared by all who have faith in the One who came to pour out His life on the cross for us.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.