The Question Of Biographies And Tributes
John 20
KJV
30+ And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
John 21
KJV
25+ And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
Wow, you’ll say but it is true. The Apostle John attempted to pen down as it were a biography of Jesus, along the way he realized how daunting such a task would be. Hence the conclusive statements you’ve just read.
These verses came to mind when I was tasked to write a biography of a loved one who lived up to a ripe old age ( age withheld for ethical reasons). I applied all the research skills I was taught in school but I found that one story leads to another. In the end, I had to give up and sum up in a few paragraphs the “life and times “ of Mr X.
What I learnt is this, the true entire biography of everyone can not be written on earth. I’ve been to funerals where brochures numbered several pages but still, they could not capture the entirety of the dead!
This was confirmed by listening to as many as were at the funeral; each has a story to tell, an incident to describe, an admonition to recall. Yes!
Our true biography can not be written here, it can only be written in Heaven. What we have written here are edited versions, some parts are removed, rephrased, rewritten etc.
Can you imagine reading a biography of someone who lived up to a hundred in a little under ten or fifteen minutes? Yes, that is what you hear at funerals. Edited version.
Beloved, we are looking forward to that of Heaven where there will be no editing, it will be read as it is. That is what I’ll love to hear. The heavenly one has no lies, encomiums, exaggerations, garnishing etc. It does not aim at making a fool look wise, a wicked look good, a selfish look selfless
Oh yes! That day will be that day.! As Paul put it;
1 Corinthians 4:5
NIV
[5] Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.
So beloved, worry not about what your biography would be or look like, that of the earth is edited, rephrased, and efforts will be made to paint you a saint or an angel when they know full well that is not the case!
A man known in his area as a no-nonsense husband; who often beat his wife, didn’t make her a top agenda but at his funeral; mourners were thrilled to hear what she wrote about him. , She wrote, “ he was a sweet loving man, he cared and provided for us OH! Hmmm, I miss him forever “! Yes you’ve heard this several times
On one occasion I dared to ask why it is so? I was told that traditionally you don’t speak evil of the dead! Why? I received no answer! Will he come back to haunt you? Will he kill you? No one could answer. It's all a taboo design to let as it were “sleeping dogs lie”
A dead person whether good or bad must be praised and be well spoken of! Yes. But not so in Heaven there a spade shall be called a spade. If in doubt just take any bible character of repute and read everything about him and you’ll know what heaven’s biography will look like!
This is a question of biography and tributes, no matter how lengthy or short they are, the true one shall be both written and read in Heaven. The reading may take much longer than what pertains here. Prepare for it.
There is so much good about you that is not known, that Day will reveal them. Those who choose deliberately not to know or acknowledge you will hear it read by not a human being but an Angel.
The reading shall be interrupted intermittently by the sound of trumpets blown by Angels! After which a white robe shall be put over you, and you’ll majestically be led to take your seat by the Throne.
Oh, what a glorious day awaits you.
A thought to share!