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Death, Lessons It Teaches Us

Introduction: A number of years ago a member of the church told me she had never had to face death before like she was at that time. Her mother-in-law was battling cancer and everyone knew the end was near. The lady I was talking to said her parents were both living, and she came from a small family. While she had been to funerals none was of somebody she dearly loved and would miss.

There are certain lessons we learn at the funeral home, or the funeral, or the graveside. I would like to mention some of those lessons today.

1. David lamented the loss of his son, Absalom, 2 Samuel 18.33

2. The widow and others mourned the loss of her only son, Luke 7.12-13

3. Jesus wept when He saw the grief and anguish over Lazarus’ death, John 11.35

1. We grieve because we will miss them. We may know we will miss our love one but it is still hard to deal with on a daily basis emotionally.

    a. Example: Jesus knew obedience but by dying on the cross He experienced obedience on a personal basis, Hebrews 5.8

    b. We know we will miss our father or mother, husband or wife, etc. but it is only once they are gone we realize how much we miss them.

2. The desire to be able to speak with them for just one moment or hold them for one instance is normal.

3. People handle this grief in different ways, some talk about it while others keep it inside. Some bury themselves in their work and others go to their friends.

4. Remember to pray to God for help and comfort, "He cares for you" 1 Peter 5.7.

1. We are not the judge, God is and we must leave it in His hands.

2. There are questions that are too painful to answer and we must leave them alone.

    a Where are my grandparents? What about Papal?

1. His judgment will be based upon His word, John 12.48

2. God is gracious and loving. At the same time He is a God that hates sin.

3. We must let God be the judge.

4. Take comfort in knowing that if our love one was faithful in this life, they are better off now than they were will living here, 1 Thess. 4.15-18

1. The disciples at Joppa cared about Tabitha, Acts 9.39

2. How often do we wonder if people really care about us?

    a. One of Regena’s father’s sayings was, "You are lucky if people think twice about you."

B) We see the expressions of love in different ways, Romans 12.15

1. Being there to speak to you, to comfort and console you.

2. The flowers, food, cards sent. We sometimes wonder if it really matters if we go to the funeral or not. It matters to those that are grieving.

A) That which was important become secondary

1. We take time off from work to go to a funeral.

2. The physical things stop for a while, Matthew 6.33

    a. Usually the talk in the family is about the things they did together and not how much they had.

    b. I have heard people regret how much time they spent away from their family but I have never heard a person wish they had spent more time at work.

B) Our first priority should be God

1. Without Him we are nothing, Eph. 2.11-12

2. The problem with priorities is when God is not first.

    a. You will take the time to die, Hebrews 9.27

A) A lot of people do not think of this on a daily basis

1. They act as if they will live forever

2. They do not think about what is at stake

B) Death is real and so will be God’s judgment

1. Some will go to heaven, Revelation 21.2-7

2. Many will be lost for eternity, Rev. 21.8; 20.12-15

Conclusion: One of these days death will come and it will be your funeral. How will you face death?

D.T. @ Westside Church of Christ 02.25.07