Funeral (Specific)

Introduction

Whenever you arrive at a church for the first time, you notice things that stand out. You notice architecture. You notice smells. You notice sounds. You also notice people. Before I ever knew Darrel and Shirley Davis, I told Lindsey (my wife) that this is a couple who loves one another and who loves Jesus Christ. Every single Sunday morning whenever I’d see Darrel and Shirley, Darrel would be navigating the wheelchair around the hallway or sanctuary with expert precision and Shirley would be smiling - not just on the outside, but you could tell it was a genuine heartfelt smile. As a new pastor in a new church, Darrel and Shirley were always comforting to see on Sunday morning because they were excited to be at church.

Today is a difficult day. It’s a day where love and lessons are remembered and a day where loss is realized. Today is a day where we are taught something and it isn’t by an enjoyable teacher. Many of us have fond memories growing up and learning new things whether it be at church or school or home with our parents and siblings. As humans we learn and we grow and the lessons we take with us impact our lives from the crib to the grave. But there is a teacher whose lessons we cannot stand listening to and this teacher is death. Death teaches us something about ourselves, our loved one, and our God. God’s Word says much about death and loss and today we need the comfort of what the Word of God says.

Death is a reality in this life. It is something that happens and some people are fearful of it while others don’t seem to care much about it and still others refused to even acknowledge it. Many wonder why death is a thing in the first place and the Bible gives us the answer for this question: The reason that death exists is because we have sinned as humans. God promised that if Adam and Eve disobeyed that they would surely die and this is what we see in our world today. God keeps His Word and this might sound like a bad thing - if death is the end of this life and the start of our eternal life and because of our sins we deserve to be separated from God, how can this be good?

Thomas Watson once said that for a Christian, “Death is the funeral of all of our sorrows.” See, if you know Christ as your Lord and Savior, if you have repented of your sins and if Jesus has changed you from the inside out, death is not the enemy. You can be ready for death because death in this life leads you to your creator and sustainer. That might sound too good to be true, but it’s what the Word of God plainly tells us and this is good news because Shirley knew Jesus. She didn’t just know about Jesus, but Jesus had changed her life! In talking with Darrel, Shirley had been saved for many decades and ever since her early 20s she made a commitment to not only talk about Jesus but to live her life for Jesus!

You could say that Jesus helped Shirley be prepared for this day. Are you prepared for this day? See, we must think honestly about the reality of death and we must vow to make our time count during this wonderful thing called life - we are not guaranteed tomorrow or the day after. We must make sure that we are living for the things that truly matter and we must use our words carefully with those whom we love. Never go to bed angry at those whom you love dearly. See, there is no better time for you to prepare yourself for this day than today. Shirley knew Jesus and today she is worshiping Jesus face to face. She is gathering around the throne of the lamb singing songs of praise and she would want you to know that she is not only in a better place, she is in the best place. The reason isn’t because Shirley smiled each Sunday at church. It isn’t because she was married to Darrel for 55 years. It’s not even because she loved her church family. The reason is because of what David talks about in Psalm 23

Psalm 23 CSB

A psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. 2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.

The reason that Shirley is rejoicing in heaven today is because the Lord was her shepherd and she was a part of His flock of sheep!

Today is a hard day as we grieve and go through the loss of a family member, friend, and church member. But today is also a day where we reflect back on the love and lessons along the way. We are able to rejoice because even in the valley of the shadow of death, God promises to walk with us. He hasn’t abandoned us. He hasn’t suddenly become unfaithful. No, He is leading us and sustaining us and He will continue to do so in the days to come. How can we know that? One pastor was driving with his daughter to a funeral and they were stopped next to a semi-truck at a stop light. The nice warm sun was suddenly blocked by this truck’s shadow… the dad was trying to explain Psalm 23 to his daughter and it finally hit him. He asked his daughter, “Would you rather get hit by that semi-truck, or by its shadow?” The daughter, without hesitation, said, “It’s shadow!” Friends and family, Jesus Christ was hit by the semi-truck of sin and death so that you and I would only be impacted by its shadow. We suffer and we grieve in this life, especially with this loss, but we don’t grieve like those who have no hope! We have eternal hope because of what Jesus has already done.

In the days to come, never lose sight of the memories God gave you with Shirley. When they come up and when you’re feeling all the emotions of this loss, remember that you’re not alone. Remember that Shirley knew Jesus. Remember that for those in Christ, there is therefore now no condemnation. Turn your eyes to Jesus today - His hope and peace will carry you through the days to come. As Paul shares in 1 Corinthians 15:57

1 Corinthians 15:57 CSB

57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!