By Steve A. Hamilton 

Introduction:  Have you ever thought of what might be said at your funeral?  I know its not  exactly at the top of your list of things to be concerned.  After all, you will be dead. 

          Yet, the occasion of your death just might be the greatest opportunity your friends and family may have to hear the truth.  Sure they gather together on an occasion of tremendous grief.  They are also gathered at a time of great reflections and eternal possibilities.  What funeral have you attended where heaven wasn’t at least mentioned?  During the eulogy, isn’t there at least a comment made about the  moral character of the deceased?

          Unfortunately, we give little consideration about what might be said on that occasion.  We leave it up to the preacher who often knows little of the deceased.  A funeral may be the only chance some people have to turn to the truth and we don’t even plan the occasion even for our own loved ones.

          If you could speak to your family and friends on the occasion of your death, what would you like to tell them?  What would you like for them to hear?

I.  Funerals are a wonderful occasion.

          A.  Consider Solomon’s view of death and funerals (Eccl. 7:1-4).

                   1.  The day of your death is better than your birthday!  I just had a birthday.  What do I have to look forward to?  Forty more years of suffering, pains and sorrows, working, trying to get by, etc.

                   2.  At death, all those things go away and I can look forward to a better day (Rev. 7:16-17: 21:4).

                   3.  If one lives for Christ, his death will be greater than his birthday.  Death could be the beginning of the greatest adventure of all (Rev. 14:13).  Indeed, it is a blessing to die in the Lord (Psm. 116:15).

          B.  It’s better to go to a funeral than a party.

                   1.  Funerals are sobering.  We know we will all die one day (Heb. 9:27).  Our lives are short and we funerals remind us just how short (James 4:14). 

                   2.  Funerals cater to our spiritual needs.  They remind us that the things of the world (like parties) have no real value (1 Tim. 6:7).

                   3.  Through our sorrow our hearts are made better.

          C.  A personal thought: Only at a funeral, the deceased can say whatever he wants and no one can get mad at him!  But only if he plans the occasion and writes down his parting words. 

II.  Again, what would you like to tell your family and friends?  The preacher as a limited amount of time.  Would you like to tell them:

          A.  Not to be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16-17)?

          B.  To raise their children in the Lord (Eph. 6:1-4)?

          C.  How to get to heaven (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38)?

          D.  Not to put their trust in man above the Bible (1 Cor. 4:6)?

          E.  To remain strong in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58)?

          F.  To always go to church (Heb. 10:25-26)?

          G.  To serve God all their living days (Col. 3:17)?

          H.  To do good to all men (Gal. 6:10)?

Conclusion:  Perhaps, we would be satisfied with letting our loved ones know that we were ready to go (2 Tim. 4:7-8).  Whatever the message, it could be the one and only opportunity for your family and friends to wake up before it is to late.  Please take the occasion of your death to heart realizing you can effect positive change in someone’s life even from the grave.

          Sadly, your death could also be the occasion that reminds everyone that you never mentioned the Lord to them (1 Tim. 4:16).  Don’t put off tomorrow what you should be doing today.  Think soberly about your parting days.  What will people say about you after you die? 

Invitation song: “You Never Mentioned Him To Me” 

Last modified: 05/02/08