The Endless Capacity of the Grave

February 1 2023

Part of my daily devotion is to read one Proverb. Today, what stood out for me was Proverb 30:15b, which says there are four things never satisfied. The grave is the first one listed and having read it many times, I reflected on it differently today.

Realizing it has been almost twenty months since my wife passed, she is tremendously missed by our family, I remember her telling us from time to time if she were to pass, don’t come visit me at my gravesite because I am not there. I would laugh and say okay, don’t worry because I won’t. I never understood why people visited their deceased loved ones in the cemetery. They are not there. I have never gone to the gravesite of any of my deceased relatives or friends. I know which cemetery they are buried in, but I have no idea of the location of their gravesite.

I know I told my wife I would never go to her gravesite, but I did. As a matter of fact, I have been at least three times. The very first time was when the cemetery notified me her headstone had finally come in and was installed. I went to see it and to place flowers. Then I went again on one of her birthdays and again on our wedding anniversary. While I was there I offered her an apology. I told her I know I said I would not come here to visit, but here I am. I cannot help it.

As I looked out over the cemetery I could see hundreds of gravesites. At some point that cemetery will not be able to accommodate any more graves. There is only so much space in that location. However, as people die, they must have a gravesite some place if they don’t elect to be cremated. There are almost 8 billion people in the world today and we will all die at some point if Jesus does not return prior to our death.

The grave will always look forward to receiving more of the dead. It has an endless capacity. The more people die, the more the grave wants. A gas tank can only hold so many gallons of gas, a cup or pitcher limits its content, and an airplane or train can only transport so many passengers. But the grave has no limits on its capacity. It seems to make room and has plans for future expansion as needed.

The good news is the body is in the grave, but those who die in Christ have their spirits immediately received in heaven. If you want to visit the gravesite, it is an individual choice. If it brings you comfort, do what makes you happy.

The most important thing to remember is we are all pilgrims passing through this land. When we leave here, we have just gone home. Bodies may lie in the cemetery, but the real person is home with the Lord.